Cathedral school closed after collapse of proposed merger

The school, which has around 70 pupils and was projected to run at a loss of more than £40,000 a month from September, had hoped to merge with Cundall Manor School.

However it is understood Cundall Manor have pulled out due to the financial risk.

Now the governors of the cathedral choir school have announced that, following legal and other professional advice, the school will be closed with immediate effect.

Speaking on behalf of the Cathedral Chapter, the Dean of Ripon Keith Jukes yesterday told the Yorkshire Post: “I wish to convey my personal sense of shock at the sudden failure of the merger talks with Cundall Manor School and my deep sadness and devastation, shared with so many people in the city of Ripon, at the closure of Ripon Cathedral Choir School.

“Over the past three years, the Chapter of the Cathedral has supported the school with a number of substantial loans in order to try and buy time in which to find a solution.

“Tragically this has not been possible and time has seemingly run out on us given the projected monthly losses projected for September onwards and the other accumulated debt.

“In the immediate days our support must be for the staff of the school and for the parents who are currently looking to find alternative places for their children for the start of the September term.”

The cathedral says it will aim to continue the boys and girls choirs from September.