Historic private school selling key building

A 319-year-old private school is merging two campuses amid "significant challenges", leaders have said.

Warminster School in Wiltshire, which dates back to 1707, is selling its prep building on Vicarage Street. From September, the younger pupils will be taught in Weymouth House, where the senior students are also educated.

School leaders said the decision will provide "long-term financial stability" and is being made "at a time of significant challenge within the independent sector".

Head teacher Matt Williams said: "This is about creating the best possible environment for our pupils to thrive now and for generations to come."

Beverley Sunderland, chair of governors and former pupil, said for hundreds of years school leaders have embraced their responsibility to plan ahead.

"This development safeguards the school's future," she added.

The school has said the sale of the current prep site, where annual fees varying between £4,337 and £17,642 according to students' ages, will generate "essential income".

A school spokesperson said: "With more than 100 schools closing in the past 12 months and thousands of pupils moving into the state sector, the need for robust long-term planning has never been more pressing."

The changes are due to come into place from September 2026.

Over the coming months, families will be invited to a series of information sessions to discuss the plans.

Elsewhere in Warminster, international boarding school Bishopstrow College closed suddenly in June after its parent company went into administration.

The school's building is on the market for £2.2m.

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