Cash problems force part of Purley's Lodge School to close
SCORES of students have been told their school is closing just as a new term is about to start.
But two other schools on the same site are safe as an independent company will be taking them over.
Parents and staff were only told this week that Commonweal Lodge, part of Lodge School in Woodcote Lane, Purley, will close because of financial problems.
But the nearby reception and prep school will carry on as normal after Cognita, an independent school management company which owns South Croydon's Cumnor House School, bought them both.
In a letter to parents dated August 31, chair of governors Heather Starbuck said: "It is with deep and heartfelt sorrow that we will have no alternative but to close Commonweal Lodge.
"Unfortunately the recession has hit the school badly."
She adds that 71 girls will be without a school after the closure.
Upper sixth student Charlotte Behzadifar was head girl and has attended the school since she was three years old.
Her mother Jacqui Behzadifar, 47, who estimates she has spent a quarter of a million pounds at the school on fees for Charlotte and son Oliver, said families should have been told the news earlier.
She added: "To find out the school is closing by a letter sent in the summer holidays is absolutely appalling.
"We can't fault the school, the teachers or the headmistress for their education but now we are faced with having to find our daughter a school the week before term starts."
Charlotte, who was made head girl in lower sixth, is now frantically trying to find a sixth-form spot as schools open for the new term.
But because of her A-level choices and different exam boards she may have to resit her first year again at an independent school.
And as the Advertiser went to press, she still had not found a place.
In the letter Ms Starbuck states the governors spent all summer trying to find a buyer for the school but "were unable to".
She adds classes will continue until October, but for Charlotte there will be no option to stay.
19 Comments
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by S., London
Friday, September 10 2010, 12:45PM
“My daughter is a former pupil and I agree with many of the comments that this type of environment and quality of education could not be found elsewhere. I was at the protest, signatures have been collected and may there be many more. It is appalling the way this closure was announced, at such short notice, creating disruption to pupils at a crucial stage of their education.”
by Leo Goldsmith, Mitcham
Thursday, September 09 2010, 7:08PM
“What a shock for students, parents and staff. If there any girls still searching for Sixth Form places, the school I work it would welcome Sixth Form applications - and Hinchley Wood School is only 2 stops from Wimbledon on the train. Good luck to everyone involved with the school.”
by Rebecca Mayer, Purley
Thursday, September 09 2010, 5:17PM
“reading all the comments and support everyone is showing has moved me so much, my daughter started lodge when she was 3 and had just compleated her first year in commonweal and she was blooming with confidence and dreams, i now have a daughter who no longer smiles and looks to me for answers i can not give...this is all so devistating and crule...i have watched the girls form stong realationships with each other and the teachers, this was not just a school to the girls but an extended family.
just a very sad and sorry time.
SAVE COMMONWEAL!”
by Andrea Taphouse, London
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 3:04PM
“This really is devastating news. I feel very sad for all the pupils and teachers losing such a special place to study and work, respectively, and wish them luck in the future.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for all the girls attending the protest - it's asking a lot for me to get there, but am thinking of you all.
Keep troth :)”
by former pupil, Croydon
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 3:02AM
“Devastating! I hope it is not too late for the school and beg for everyone to come to the protest today
Lodge did so much for all of us its time to give something back and fight for our school!”
by Grandmother, Surrey
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 11:00PM
“I have watched my grandaughter blossom at the Lodge. This has been thanks to dedicated and loyal staff who have always gone 'the extra mile'. So to hear how these same staff have been treated both disrespectfully and immorally by those who have self interests at heart is a blow. Staff being told AFTER the students, one hearing from a pupil whilst out shopping that her job was going is completely inappropriate and unacceptable. Did the Governors really try to sell the school? or was the thought of a massive income of revenue from the sale of a beautiful and substantial dwelling in a prestigious area much more important that the education of our girls?. Honest? Underhand- they knew months and months ago that this was on the cards- Hang your head in shame.”
by Lucy Gilbert, Bournemouth
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 3:02PM
“It's horrible to hear the school closing as it made me who I am today, I left the school several years ago now and have so many memories to share with others regarding it. I accept the fees kept going up and up each year to keep it running, it needs the support of someone like Cognita to cease the phenominal fees.
I hope the school continues on, it has been open for almost 95 years and would be sad to never see its doors open again.”
by Former Head Girl, Kenley
Monday, September 06 2010, 8:41PM
“I cannot begin to explain how devastated I was when I found out Commonweal Lodge was closing. I was also very disappointed in hearing how staff and pupils found out through a letter sent out towards the end of the summer holidays. I started Commonweal Lodge in Year 8 and was Head Girl in 2008-2009. I could not have asked for a better school. I can definitely say that I would not be the outgoing, confident person I am now without Commonweal. The teachers supported me 100% throughout my education and I received A Level results that I do not believe I could have achieved anywhere else, and it was down to the dedication of the staff during my studies. Commonweal is fully commited in helping the girl's to achieve their full potential. Commonweal Lodge taught me how to become a strong individual and I owe it to the Headmistress, and the teachers by showing my support on Wednesday 8th at 5pm.”
by former pupil, coulsdon
Sunday, September 05 2010, 10:30PM
“Like everyone else who has any contact with commonweal thoroughout the years I am devestated that it's closing. It has not only provided me with a brilliant education, but also some fantastic friends and a sense of belonging that you just dont find anywhere else. Losing a commonweal isnt just losing another independant school, its the loss of over 90 years of tradition and an unbelievably brilliant learning environment.”
by Alice Cole (Former Pupil), Purley
Sunday, September 05 2010, 5:01PM
“Please any pupils (past and present) and parents come to out Save Commonweal Protest Event outside Commonweal Lodge on Wednesday 8th September from 5 - 7. WE STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO FIND COMMONWEAL A BUYER. Its not too late. We cannot let our school close forever.
Commonweal recieved the best inspection report out of the three schools, it has also got the best and longest record of success. It is for these reasons that I find fully unacceptable closing it down. Commonweal gives a supporting inviorment that its students need.
We look forward to see everyone there.”