12 Jun 2025, 21:54
Dudley House School to close after decades of service to Adventist education
NEC Administration
With heartfelt appreciation and sadness, the North England Conference (NEC) shares the news that Dudley House School will close its doors at the end of the current academic year. For many across the UK this school has held a special place in the story of Adventist education. Its impact has been far-reaching, touching families, students, teachers and church members.
Dudley House School has faithfully served as a Christ-centred learning environment for generations. It has nurtured not only academic excellence, but also spiritual growth, character development, and a sense of mission. The legacy it leaves behind is one of love, sacrifice and devotion from countless individuals who believed in the value of Adventist education.
The decision to close the school has not been made lightly. In recent years, enrolment has gradually declined to just 20 pupils. While this has fostered strong community bonds, it has also limited the scope of educational opportunities. The school has faced sustained financial challenges, operating at a deficit that has required over £840,000 in NEC subsidies since 2016. Recent changes in government policy, including the introduction of 20% VAT on private school fees, an increase in business rates from 20% to 100%, an increase in employee National Insurance contributions and the rise in the minimum wage, have made the situation even more difficult.
After much prayer, discussion and the consideration of every possible option, the NEC Executive Committee has concluded that closing the school is the most faithful and responsible course of action. This decision has been made to steward our shared resources effectively and to ensure the continued strength of the wider mission of the Church.
While this chapter comes to a close, the NEC remains deeply committed to the vision of Adventist education. Plans are already underway to explore new models of delivering quality, faith-based learning. These include the development of Early Years education hubs and the potential launch of an online Adventist schooling platform, initiatives aimed at serving a wider group of families across the UK and Ireland.
We know that this transition brings sadness and uncertainty for students, families and staff, and we are committed to walking alongside them during this time. Practical and pastoral support is being offered to help ease the path forward. Above all, we trust that God, who has guided this school from its beginning, will continue to guide everyone into a hopeful future.
We extend our deepest thanks to all who have played a part in the life of Dudley House School: the parents and pupils, dedicated staff, school board members, and Grantham Seventh-day Adventist church. Your faithful service and commitment have made an eternal difference.
As a wider church family, let us continue to pray for those affected and stand united in support of Adventist education in all its forms. We hold fast to the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Together, let us move forwards in faith, confident that, even in moments of loss, God is still at work opening new doors, inspiring fresh visions, and leading us all in His perfect timing.
Tribute to Dudley House School
BUC Education Department
The British Union Conference (BUC) Education Department wishes to acknowledge the immense impact this school has had on the lives of countless children who have passed through its doors. Some current parents were once students themselves and have sacrificed to now send their children to the school, such has been the high regard for Dudley House.
The unwavering dedication of the staff over the last fifty-odd years, and particularly over the last decade or so under the tireless leadership of the headmistress, Jenny Johnson, cannot be overstated. They have given everything to ensure that pupils succeed academically and spiritually. We applaud your commitment to Seventh-day Adventist education. We equally acknowledge the untiring work of the governors in seeking to keep the school open. The deep sorrow felt by pupils, staff, families and governors is equally shared by the BUC Education Department.
Only eternity will tell of the lives that have been changed as a result of their time at Dudley House School. In the words of the Ofsted inspector, “Pupils thrive at this school. Dudley House is a small school with big ideas.” Although its doors will soon close, the legacy of Dudley House will not be forgotten.
With heartfelt appreciation and sadness, the North England Conference (NEC) shares the news that Dudley House School will close its doors at the end of the current academic year. For many across the UK this school has held a special place in the story of Adventist education. Its impact has been far-reaching, touching families, students, teachers and church members.
Dudley House School has faithfully served as a Christ-centred learning environment for generations. It has nurtured not only academic excellence, but also spiritual growth, character development, and a sense of mission. The legacy it leaves behind is one of love, sacrifice and devotion from countless individuals who believed in the value of Adventist education.
The decision to close the school has not been made lightly. In recent years, enrolment has gradually declined to just 20 pupils. While this has fostered strong community bonds, it has also limited the scope of educational opportunities. The school has faced sustained financial challenges, operating at a deficit that has required over £840,000 in NEC subsidies since 2016. Recent changes in government policy, including the introduction of 20% VAT on private school fees, an increase in business rates from 20% to 100%, an increase in employee National Insurance contributions and the rise in the minimum wage, have made the situation even more difficult.
After much prayer, discussion and the consideration of every possible option, the NEC Executive Committee has concluded that closing the school is the most faithful and responsible course of action. This decision has been made to steward our shared resources effectively and to ensure the continued strength of the wider mission of the Church.
While this chapter comes to a close, the NEC remains deeply committed to the vision of Adventist education. Plans are already underway to explore new models of delivering quality, faith-based learning. These include the development of Early Years education hubs and the potential launch of an online Adventist schooling platform, initiatives aimed at serving a wider group of families across the UK and Ireland.
We know that this transition brings sadness and uncertainty for students, families and staff, and we are committed to walking alongside them during this time. Practical and pastoral support is being offered to help ease the path forward. Above all, we trust that God, who has guided this school from its beginning, will continue to guide everyone into a hopeful future.
We extend our deepest thanks to all who have played a part in the life of Dudley House School: the parents and pupils, dedicated staff, school board members, and Grantham Seventh-day Adventist church. Your faithful service and commitment have made an eternal difference.
As a wider church family, let us continue to pray for those affected and stand united in support of Adventist education in all its forms. We hold fast to the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Together, let us move forwards in faith, confident that, even in moments of loss, God is still at work opening new doors, inspiring fresh visions, and leading us all in His perfect timing.
Tribute to Dudley House School
BUC Education Department
The British Union Conference (BUC) Education Department wishes to acknowledge the immense impact this school has had on the lives of countless children who have passed through its doors. Some current parents were once students themselves and have sacrificed to now send their children to the school, such has been the high regard for Dudley House.
The unwavering dedication of the staff over the last fifty-odd years, and particularly over the last decade or so under the tireless leadership of the headmistress, Jenny Johnson, cannot be overstated. They have given everything to ensure that pupils succeed academically and spiritually. We applaud your commitment to Seventh-day Adventist education. We equally acknowledge the untiring work of the governors in seeking to keep the school open. The deep sorrow felt by pupils, staff, families and governors is equally shared by the BUC Education Department.
Only eternity will tell of the lives that have been changed as a result of their time at Dudley House School. In the words of the Ofsted inspector, “Pupils thrive at this school. Dudley House is a small school with big ideas.” Although its doors will soon close, the legacy of Dudley House will not be forgotten.
