The school was founded in 1549 (Image: -)
An historic Lancashire school has been acquired by an international education organisation just days after entering administration. 476-year-old Kirkham Grammar School entered administration on 17 July according to the Gazette, but has since been purchased in a deal which leaders say will secure the long-term future of the historic independent school.
The school has been snapped up by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Sanstha (MMYS), an educational group which operates schools in Australia, the United States and India, after the previous ownership structure became ‘unsustainable’. The £6,600-a term institution will now operate through Kirkham Grammar International School Limited, with senior leadership set to be kept in place ahead of the new academic year. Headteacher Kirsten O’Donoghue described the deal as “a very positive and exciting moment” for the school.
She said: “This is a very positive and exciting moment for Kirkham Grammar School. As both Head and a former pupil, I know how special this School is and how deeply it is valued.
“Kirkham Grammar School has a proud history and an outstanding reputation. This new chapter will protect everything that makes our school special while strengthening the pupil experience through long-term investment, pastoral care, wellbeing, whole child development and international opportunity.
“Myself and the Senior Leadership Team look forward to helping pupils achieve excellence while developing the respect, kindness, resilience and personal qualities they need to flourish.”
Senior leadership say that the move will allow for significant investment in the school’s infrastructure, with the company’s international presence allowing opportunities for international collaboration and cultural exchange.
Chair of Governors Paul Ribchester said mounting financial pressures had made the previous ownership model unsustainable.
He said: “A combination of factors had made continued operation under the previous ownership structure unsustainable.
“These included sustained inflationary pressures and rising operating costs, significant increases in employer National Insurance contributions, and the introduction of VAT on independent school fees.
The school teaches children aged two to 18 (Image: Getty)
“In order to thrive, independent schools must evolve, and despite sector-wide challenges, the future of our school is bright.
“This acquisition is a positive outcome that preserves the educational purpose of Kirkham Grammar School.”
MMYS says that it intends to honour the history and traditions of the centuries-old school which was founded in 1549 but has roots dating back to the 13th century.
A spokesperson for MMYS said: “Kirkham Grammar School possesses an extraordinary heritage built over nearly five centuries. It is a privilege for MMYS to become the steward of such a remarkable institution.
“We are committed to preserving the School’s traditions while supporting its future growth, investing in its educational environment, nurturing every pupil and supporting its dedicated staff. We are equally delighted that the School’s experienced Senior Leadership Team will continue to lead the School, providing continuity and confidence for pupils, parents and staff.
“Together, we look forward to building upon Kirkham Grammar School’s remarkable legacy through educational excellence, innovation, global collaboration and values-based education, ensuring that every pupil is equipped to excel academically and contribute positively to society.”
