Parents launch rescue bid for Alderley Edge School for Girls

A shock announcement a month ago to close the private school this summer due to unprecedented financial pressures left families devastated.

Now, a Parent Rescue Group is confident they can not only save the independent school on Wilmslow Road but turn it into the ‘best private girl’s school in the country’.

A group of 10 parents with expertise in law, business, investment, HR and finance, has developed a credible, professionally constructed rescue bid.

After ‘constructive conversations’ with the board of governors and support from Tatton MP Esther McVey, they believe they can build a world-class school.

Knutsford dad Adam Gough, leader of the Parent Rescue Group, said: “This is eminently saveable.

“We are not glossy eyed parents but a group of dynamic and forward-thinking people with a full range of skill sets.

“We are commercially savvy and sound.

“This is about our girls and their future.

“My daughter, Odette, is in nursery so I’m here for the long haul.

“We have had constructive conversations with the board.

“The next step is to sit down with their legal advisors.

“We are within touching distance. It is doable.”

The group has the support of 250 parents and is working round the clock to secure financial stability to ensure pupils can return in September.

The second phase of their proposal includes ambitious plans to build a new campus with top class facilities.

Adam said: “The school owns the site and doesn’t have any debt or bank lending.

“The site is in the heart of Alderley Edge. There could be relocation, the school doesn’t have to be in the heart of the village.

“We have secured a business working facility of between two and three million pounds, akin to a mortgage.

“We have had our plans verified by a global accounting firm.

“This is about the future, we are so excited about the potential.”

Tatton MP Esther McVey said: “I fully support everything being done to prevent the school closing and have met with the parents about this.

“This threatened closure is the direct result of a vindictive policy by government to put VAT on school fees and the rising costs of staffing through increases in employer NIC contributions.

“It is causing unnecessary disruption and uncertainty for parents and pupils.

“As well as meeting with parents, I have also met with governors and the headmistress and will continue to do everything I can to support parents and the school through this process.”

Parents say the school, which has taught girls aged two to 18 for decades, offers a unique environment where each pupil can excel academically and develop their own personality.

Adam said: “This is an extraordinary school that has a special culture with pastoral care for every girl.

“Creating an environment where girls can thrive and flourish and be themselves is what makes it so special.

“Girls in single sex schools become more confident, more ambitious and better supported.

“We’d love all the teachers to remain because they help make the school what it is.

“Closing the school doesn’t just harm 330 girls today, it takes away a proven environment for girls to flourish.

“Our ambition is not simply to save the school but to create the best girls’ school in the country.

“Timing is critical. We are working on this every minute of every day.

“Once we get the green light on our transition plan, we are good to go.”

The school said the introduction of VAT on school fees, the removal of business rates relief, higher employer national insurance contributions and rising costs along with a fall in numbers led to a situation where the board no longer considers the school to be financially sustainable.