A COUNTY councillor says he has “every confidence” a Worcestershire prep school can be saved from closure.
Abberley Hall School has lost the support of Malvern College and could close at the end of the academic year if it does not find additional funding.
But Scott Richardson Brown, who represents the nearby Hallow ward, has been inspired by the response of the school community.
“I have been impressed with the drive and determination of parents, teachers and the school’s alumni and their resolve to keep this award-winning school open,” he said.
“I have every confidence that it can be saved if given a fair opportunity.”
Cllr Richardson Brown said the school, which was named the best prep school in the country by Tatler in September, is “far from a failing institution”.
“I’m aware that since covid, prep schools have faced a number of different challenges however, I don’t believe it has to close,” he said.
READ MORE: Abberley Hall school faces closure amid financial pressure
“Fundraising is well on its way with support from parents, alumni and local benefactors. Malvern College is its current funder and I believe it is within Malvern College’s gift as to whether they are willing to offer Abberley realistic repayment terms and waive a grant which can help to safeguard its survival.
“We shouldn’t forget how important that survival is for the many local residents I represent, pupils, parents, teachers and former alumni.
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“The school provides many local jobs and also brings families to the local area and the school facilities are used by other local schools. As such the knock-on impacts if it shuts down will be felt far and wide.
“The excellent teachers will lose their jobs and even their homes were the school to close and so everything must be done to help them and the whole raft of local companies that supply services and goods to the school.”
A petition urging Malvern College not to call in its initial £1 million grant to Abberley School has been signed more than 2,000 times and it is understood that fundraising has already begun among parents and school alumni.
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