A school in Tidworth has told parents and staff that it will close its boarding house next year.

The Wellington Academy sent an email to parents on March 26 saying it had taken the decision to close the boarding house because it was no longer financially viable. 

The Advertiser has seen the email sent by Matt Price, director of boarding, and a memo issued by headteacher Rob Wood.

Mr Wood said that the boarding house, with a capacity of 100 students, has been experiencing low occupancy rates for several years and currently houses fewer than 40 students.

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The school and the house are run by Ascend Learning Trust - who refused to comment when contacted by the Advertiser. 

Mr Price said in his email that the boarding house would no longer be used from Easter 2025.

"I appreciate this will come as a shock to many of you, as it has to us as staff who work in the boarding house," he said.

Headteacher Mr Wood said the closure was not a reflection on the quality of the boarding provision, which has consistently received positive Ofsted ratings.

He said: "The house is the victim of global, national, and local events, i.e. the Covid pandemic, Brexit and locally a different model of working by the British military leading to fewer military families needing the accommodation for their children to ensure continuity of learning."

He assured current boarders that they would be able to complete the academic year at the boarding house and the academy has pledged support for students seeking alternative boarding arrangements or transitioning to day schooling.

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Mr Wood added: "Can I please reiterate once again how saddened I am by the need to make this decision and apologise for the inevitable upset, stress, and anxiety it will cause."