UK independent school collapses into liquidation - founded in 1860

A historic independent school that first opened more than 160 years ago has gone into liquidation after closing its doors for good. Our Lady’s Abingdon (OLA) in Oxfordshire shut in August 2025 after 165 years, with governors blaming ongoing financial pressures. The school, based on Radley Road, said at the time it had been “under financial pressure for some time” and had been left with “no viable way forward”.

It also pointed to rising costs and changes affecting private education, including the introduction of VAT on school fees. In a statement, the school said a rise in fees had become “unaffordable” for some families, which led to a drop in pupil numbers. At the time of its closure, OLA had 368 pupils despite having space for up to 540.

Accounts filed in August 2023 had already warned of difficulties, with the school saying it faced “challenges” and expected budget deficits in the years ahead.

Following the sudden closure, families were left scrambling to find new school places for hundreds of pupils across Oxfordshire.

The school’s board of governors said they would be “supporting families in securing alternative school places in Oxfordshire”.

A Statement of Affairs submitted to Companies House revealed that Our Lady’s Abingdon Trustees Ltd had debts of £1,555,596 owed to 121 creditors. As a result, the school has now formally gone into liquidation.

Reports suggest that the site and buildings could be sold, with the land potentially worth millions.

The property is owned by the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy, a Catholic order based in Leeds.

A spokesperson said: “Over the last six months, following the handover of the site from the liquidator, we have been working diligently to both clear and secure the Our Lady's Abingdon site, as well as reflect on how best the site can be used moving forward.

“Meetings are ongoing about the site’s future, taking into account our obligations as a charity, and we are hopeful to be in a position to share more information in the early part of the summer.”

The organisation had previously said it hoped to find a “charitable” use for the land.

A spokesperson added at the time: “Our hope is that, when the time is right, we can find a use for this site that enables us to meet our charitable obligations for our beneficiaries.”

Local MP Layla Moran said the closure had a major impact on families. She told Oxford Mail: “Students, families and teachers were shocked by the sudden closure of Our Lady’s Abingdon over the summer holidays.

“I saw the distress it caused to pupils and parents, particularly those completing their GCSEs and A-Levels.

“I was pleased to see Oxfordshire County Council respond so quickly given the difficult circumstances and find school places for students.”

Reacting to news that the site could now be sold, she added: “The closure of Our Lady's Abingdon was a real blow for the community.

“I would be delighted if the site were to continue as an educational institution to improve and expand access to education in the area.”

Founded in 1860 by the Sisters of Mercy, the school had operated as a small independent day school for pupils aged seven to 18.