Last week a historic school on Derbyshire and Staffordshire border announced it would close its doors for good in a fortnight.

In a letter sent to parents on Thursday, June 4, Abbotsholme School, located near Uttoxeter, announced it would close for good on June 22 – after 137 years of providing education to pupils from across Derbyshire and beyond.

Parents were left shocked after the announcement, which gave them only two weeks to find an alternative education setting for their children.

But now the private school issued an update to parents stating that while the school is still set to close on June 22, it will reopen its doors in September after “incredible outpouring of support”.

Abbotsholme School, a historic independent school located on Derbyshire and Staffordshire border, has issued an update on its future.

placeholder image — Abbotsholme School, a historic independent school located on Derbyshire and Staffordshire border, has issued an update on its future.

In a letter sent to the school community on Sunday, June, 7 Charlotte Molloy, Executive Headmistress, said: “Thank you for the incredible outpouring of support, emotion, positivity and determination over the last few days.

"The response from staff, parents, pupils, former pupils and the wider community has been truly remarkable.

"It has been inspiring to see so many people come together with one shared goal: to save a school that means so much to so many.

“Following ongoing discussions with Syd Philimore and Jamie Buchanan I am pleased to confirm that an agreement has been reached which will allow Abbotsholme School to remain open in September.

"Thank you again for everything you have done over the last few days. The passion, loyalty and commitment shown by this community have been extraordinary and have demonstrated.”

The school has further shared that while Charlotte Molloy is set to take over responsibility for the leadership, day-to-day management and future direction of the school, while Syd Philimore and Jamie Buchanan would be providing the “financial backing and support needed to secure the future of Abbotsholme”.

While the announcement has been welcome, many questions remain unanswered including concerns over potential impact on the staff at the school, with some claiming that they have not been paid their latest wages.

Addressing the concerns, the school said that "there may need to be changes regarding staffing and other operational matters” – but was unable to provide any “definitive statements at this stage”.

The Derbyshire Times has approached the school for a comment.