Hollygirt School has today confirmed a refocusing of its educational provision. At the end of the current academic year, the school’s Nursery to Year 5 provision will conclude, and from September 2026 Hollygirt will focus on providing education for pupils in Years 6 to 11.
The school recognises that the first thoughts of pupils, parents and staff will naturally be for the children and families affected by this change. Be assured, pupils will continue to receive the same high-quality teaching and pastoral support that families expect from Hollygirt throughout the remainder of the academic year.
For pupils currently in Years 5 to 11, this renewed focus allows the school to continue providing stability, continuity and exceptional care. For pupils currently in Nursery to Year 4, the school will work closely with parents to help ensure a smooth transition, providing advice and guidance as families consider the next stage of their children’s education.
The future interests of Hollygirt’s pupils, families and wider community have been central to the school’s discussions about its next chapter. As a charitable educational institution, the school’s leadership and trustees have a responsibility to ensure that Hollygirt continues to serve its pupils well while securing a stable and sustainable future for the school. After careful consideration, trustees concluded that focusing Hollygirt’s provision on Years 6–11 provides the greatest opportunity for it to provide the best support for the widest number of students going forwards. This combines with the optimum strategy for achieving the long-term stability and successful future of the school.
In carrying out this review, trustees also considered the wider context in which independent schools are operating, including demographic trends, economic conditions, and changes affecting the sector.
Headteacher Rebecca Purdy said: “Our priority throughout this process is the wellbeing and success of our pupils. Hollygirt has always been defined by strong relationships, small classes and personal attention, and those qualities will remain central as we focus on the senior years of education. We are committed to supporting pupils and families carefully through this transition.”
Chair of Trustees Mrs Alison Bingham added: “Trustees have taken this decision after careful consideration of the school’s long-term direction and our responsibility as stewards of a charitable school. By focusing Hollygirt on Years 6–11 we believe we are providing a clear and sustainable path forward for the school and its pupils.”
The school is working closely with families to support pupils currently in Nursery to Year 4 as they prepare for the next stage of their education. Hollygirt will continue to provide guidance and support to ensure that every pupil is able to move forward confidently to their next school