Cirencester independent school Rendcomb College is closing permanently at the end of the current academic year, bringing an end to its 106-year history.
Coming as a shock to staff, students and parents alike this week, the school says the 'highly unfortunate' decision to close is 'sadly unavoidable', due to a combination of lower-than-hoped-for pupil numbers and the difficult economic situation facing UK independent schools in general.
Citing an 'enormous increase' in its deficit for the current year and a similar forecast for the future, the school says that every other feasible option, including mergers and other forms of funding, was explored before the decision was made.
The news was delivered to the school community on Thursday 22 January 2026, with other local independent schools sharing messages of sadness at the news on social media, along with dedicated web pages for Rendcomb families who will now be searching for new schools for the next academic year.
One Rendcomb staff member commented on a Facebook post from St Edward's Cheltenham that the news was 'equally shocking and saddening' for everyone at the school.
A statement from the school says: 'Despite Rendcomb College’s extremely strong track record as a school, the reality is that current and projected pupil numbers, alongside the economic situation facing independent schools across the country, do not make the school financially viable in the future.
'It has therefore reluctantly been decided that the school will close at the end of the academic year.
'The staff and governors have done everything to make Rendcomb College an excellent school and its closure is highly unfortunate but sadly unavoidable.
'For many years, the college has benefited from significant funding from the Rendcomb College Foundation. Whilst this has made the operation of the college possible until now, the enormous increase in the deficit for the current year, and the anticipated financial picture for next year, mean that such support is unsustainable.
'This is a very sad decision to have taken and follows the exploration of every other feasible option including mergers and other forms of funding.
'Our focus now will be on helping pupils find appropriate alternative provision and assisting our highly professional and dedicated staff to find posts elsewhere.'
Wycliffe College in Stonehouse is one of four local independent schools selected to help Rendcomb in supporting families affected by the closure.
Wycliffe representatives will attend an open day at Rendcomb on Friday 30 January 2026, where they will meet parents and pupils to discuss transition options and offer guidance and support.
Headmaster of Wycliffe, Christian San Jose commented: 'We are honoured to be working alongside Rendcomb during this period and to be entrusted with supporting pupils through what will be a significant transition. Our priority is to ensure that any pupils and families affected by this decision are met with care, clarity and reassurance.'
He added: 'At a time when independent schools are facing considerable challenges, it is more important than ever that schools work together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.'
