One of UK's oldest schools once attended by John Lennon's son announces shock closure

By ROBERT FOLKER, NEWS REPORTER Published: 21:35, 1 July 2026 | Updated: 21:58, 1 July 2026 One of the UK's oldest schools, which was once attended by John Lennon's son, has announced its shock closure amid Labour's class war tax.   Ruthin School, a private school in Denbighshire, North Wales, can trace its origins back to 1284 and was subsequently re-opened in 1574 by Gabriel Goodman, Dean of Westminster. In 1893, the school moved from the vicinity of the church to a building designed by John Douglas on its site on the outskirts of the town.  The private school boasts a string of successful ex-pupils, including John Lennon's son Julian in the 1980s.  Originally a school for boys, it has been co-educational since 1990. Just last year, Ruthin School was named among the best independent schools in Wales by the Sunday Times Parent Power rankings. However, the school made headlines for the wrong reasons in 2020 after its headmaster was sacked for sending 'flirty' texts to pupils. Both staff and pupils were informed about the school's closure at the end of the current academic year on Wednesday afternoon. It joins a raft of independent schools to close across the country - many blaming the Labour Government's introduction of VAT on independent school fees. Ruthin School, a private school in Denbighshire, North Wales, can trace its origins back to 1284 The school charges around £55,000-a-year for full boarding and up to £18,500-a-year for day pupils.  Deputy mayor of the market town, Councillor Anne Roberts, said: 'It's very sad news. I am still reeling. It's huge for Ruthin. They are one of the biggest employers. 'For the local economy, it will have a real effect. It's hard to believe.' Rydal Penrhos School, a private school at Colwyn Bay, said it was 'very sad news' and offered to help those affected. Tom Hutchinson, headteacher at Rydal Penrhos School, said: 'Following the very sad news of the announced closure of Ruthin School, we would like to extend our sincere sympathy to pupils, parents, carers and staff at what must be an extremely difficult and unsettling time.' Mr Hutchinson added that he knows that 'choosing a new school, particularly in unexpected circumstances, can feel daunting'. He continued: 'Our priority is to help families feel welcomed, supported and confident as they take their next step.  'We would be honoured to offer continuity, care and opportunity to families affected by the closure of Ruthin School.' A spokesperson for Myddelton College, in Denbigh, said: 'Ruthin families are warmly invited to visit Myddelton College this week, in person or online.  'A small, caring day and boarding school, eight miles away in Denbigh. Book a time that suits you.' Ruthin School has been approached for comment by the Daily Mail. Private school pupils are in decline following Labour's VAT raid, with 30,000 fewer enrolled since before it took effect. New figures show there are now 526,611 pupils in private schools, down from 556,551 two years ago. The bulk of the decrease – 20,000 – came in the last year alone. The data comes from the annual January census of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), which represents the majority of private schools. It suggests many families are being priced out of the sector due to the 20 per cent tax, which came into effect in January 2025. Labour originally said the sector would shrink by only 37,000 pupils in the long run as a result of the policy – but this may now turn out to be an underestimate. ISC chief executive Julie Robinson said: 'This year's census shows a significant fall in pupil numbers across independent schools. 'Behind these figures are families facing difficult financial decisions and schools working hard to preserve the opportunities, expertise and support that parents value. 'While independent schools remain resilient, these trends demonstrate that policy decisions can have real consequences for families' educational choices.'  The data shows pupil numbers are down by 6.6 per cent in some year groups. There are fewer families choosing to enrol at the start of primary, prep school or sixth form – suggesting it is the new starters that are being deterred. Pupils fell across all areas but the biggest regional decline was in Scotland, where the reduction was 5.6 per cent. This was followed by Wales with 6 per cent and the North East with 6.4 per cent. About 100 private schools have announced closure since VAT on fees was introduced. Saqib Bhatti, the shadow schools minister, said: 'Children and families are paying the cost of a policy that is disrupting education without delivering the benefits Labour promised.' A Department for Education spokesman said: 'These figures reflect demographic change playing out across the entire school system - primary school numbers have been falling since 2018/19, long before any change to VAT. The share of pupils in independent schools has stayed broadly consistent at 6.3 per cent, and more private schools opened than closed in 2025. 'Ending tax breaks for private schools is delivering over £1.8 billion a year by 2029/30 to improve education for the 94 per cent of children in state schools, and record numbers of families are getting their first-choice state school place.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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