News 6th July 2023
Update: Boarding at Shaftesbury School
Shaftesbury School’s boarding provision, Barton Hill House, has seen a terminal decline in numbers over recent years resulting in a huge financial strain on the school. Following a public consultation earlier this summer, our proposal to close the boarding house went to the Southwest Advisory Board this week. Having reviewed all the feedback, and financial information, they agreed with our proposal, and made the difficult decision to close the boarding provision.
We know this will come as upsetting news to many people in our community. Barton Hill House has played a significant role in the history of the school, and we are saddened to have to make this decision.
Our team have supported the remaining boarders to find alternative places for the next academic year and no-one will be left without a school place. We are also supporting the staff at the boarding house and will continue to do so over the coming months.
We are now able to confirm that boarding at Shaftesbury School will cease at the end of this academic year. The building will revert back to Dorset Council from whom it is leased, and we are hopeful that it will continue to operate for the good of the community, in a different capacity.
Shaftesbury School continues to thrive academically, having received a glowing Ofsted report earlier this year, as well as all providing a fantastic range of opportunities for students. They continue to win awards, innovate, and inspire, and we will continue to support them as the school shapes a new future.
