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Belfast Telegraph
Northern Ireland
Belfast prep school to close due to ‘difficult financial situation’
Belfast Royal Academy's prep school is Ben Madigan Preparatory School, based on the Antrim Road
Niamh Campbell
Yesterday at 18:25
A prep school in north Belfast that charges almost £5,000 per year for each of its pupils is set to close.
Ben Madigan Preparatory School – the preparatory school of Belfast Royal Academy (BRA) – is open to girls and boys aged 3-11.
However, parents have recently been informed that the school is due to close as a result of “a difficult financial situation”.
One source told The Belfast Telegraph that the school has "not been very helpful” in accommodating parents trying to find replacement schools for their children, with one mother having been left in tears.
In a letter seen by this newspaper sent to parents and guardians on behalf of the board of governors at BRA, warden Eric Porter states: “Having considered numerous options, the Board sought expert independent financial and legal advice to address the serious financial situation at Ben Madigan.
“Following this, the Board concluded that the significant and sustained increase in pupil numbers alongside substantial increases in tuition fees required would not be achievable.
“At a Board meeting on Tuesday 12 March 2024, it was therefore decided that there was no feasible alternative but to initiate procedures for a Development Proposal which could lead to the closure of Ben Madigan Preparatory School.”
The letter adds that the board will be back in touch with families as soon as they have further information following discussions with the Department of Education.
It thanks all the workers at Ben Madigan – both teaching and support staff – for their “ongoing dedication to the Ben Madigan family”.
The school will remain open for the remainder of the 2024/25 academic year.
BRA has been contacted for further comment.
by ohshititsthefuzz
4 comments
Boohoo?
Will make getting into other schools in the area an absolute pain as people scramble for places.
Does this school get education authority funding as well as the funding from its enrolment fees?
Five grand per year, mind blowing. Private schools shouldn’t be a thing.