Alderley Edge School for Girls Announces Closure
Alderley Edge School for Girls has announced plans to close permanently at the end of the current academic year, citing ‘immense unprecedented cost pressures’ as the primary reason for this decision. The school, located on Wilmslow Road, caters to pupils aged three to 18 and was established in 1999 following the merger of Mount Carmel and St Hilary’s schools.
Reasons for Closure
The board of governors proposed the closure, which is set to take effect on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Headmistress Caroline Lowe expressed deep sadness over the announcement, acknowledging the impact it would have on students, families, and staff. The decision follows years of efforts to secure the school’s future amid significant financial challenges, including a decline in pupil numbers and rising operational costs.
Impact on the Community
This closure marks Alderley Edge School for Girls as the second all-girls school in the UK to announce such plans this year, following Palmers Green High School in North London. The school currently has 379 pupils enrolled, despite having a capacity for 800. The announcement has raised concerns within the community, particularly given the affluent nature of Alderley Edge, known as ‘The Knightsbridge of the North’. The school has initiated a formal consultation process with staff to ensure support during this transition.