Immanuel College to close after 35 years

Immanuel College is set to shut its doors permanently this summer after sustained financial challenges forced what the school described as an “incredibly painful” moment.

The decision after 35 years of the community’s only private secondary follows the combined impact of rising costs, the government’s introduction of VAT on independent school fees and increased National Insurance. “Changing dynamics within the Jewish education landscape, including the increased popularity of state schools, have contributed to reduced enrolment”, the school said in a statement this morning.

Chair of governors Daniel Levy said “This is an incredibly difficult and painful moment. Immanuel College has been a cornerstone of education and community life for 35 years, and we know how deeply this news will be felt by all those connected to it.

“The focus now is on supporting our pupils, families and staff through this transition with compassion, clarity and integrity, We are committed to ensuring that every pupil is guided to the right next step.”

The Bushey-based school’s “proposed closure” comes after governors had “rigorously explored all available options”, the statement said, including implementing cost savings and closing the preparatory school last year. “Despite these efforts, it has become clear that the level of funding required to ensure the College’s future is unattainable. The most recent viability study indicated that a minimum of 50 full fee-paying students would need to enrol each year for the school to break even. Our current year 7 cohort has 35 students but with fee remissions only generate the revenue of 18 full fee-paying places. We only have the 12 full fee paying places for September.

“The board of governors has therefore concluded, with deep regret, that there is likely to be no viable alternative but to consider closure.”

With the announcement coming ahead of crucial exams for students currently in Years 10 and 12, Immanuel intends to remain open for an additional academic year for these specific cohorts, “subject to sufficient demand”. Leaders have also begun conversations with other Jewish schools and local private schools “to help identify appropriate onward placements for every pupil.

“In addition, enhanced pastoral and wellbeing support, including access to counselling services, will be made available to all pupils. Support will also be provided to staff through a formal consultation process, alongside assistance with future employment opportunities.”

Additional pastoral, emotional and wellbeing support, including counselling services, will be available to all pupils with online meetings (14th and 15th April before in person a week later) for parents. Immanuel plans to launch an online portal with up-to-date information, key contacts and answers to frequently asked questions.

Founded by Lord Immanuel Jakobovitz in 1990, supported by the Kalms and Ronson families, Immanuel College marked its 35th anniversary in September 2025. It was ranked as the country’s best-performing Jewish school by The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide in 2025 and 116th nationally.

Chair of governors Daniel Levy ends the letter writing: “We are immensely proud of what the College has achieved, of the generations of students who have thrived here, and of the dedicated staff who have shaped their lives with such care and professionalism.”

The governors expressed their “profound gratitude to staff, past and present, whose dedication has underpinned the College’s success, and to the wider community for its longstanding support”.