Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, an independent school on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds has closed with immediate effect. The institution entered voluntary liquidation on 29th July, 2025. What’s surprising is that this announcement comes just months after a significant £1 million relaunch. Brookes UK announced that its Risby campus would cease operations due to a confluence of mounting financial pressures, reduced enrolment, unpaid fees, and broader economic challenges surrounding the UK education sector. 

Despite an exhaustive search for viable alternatives, the school’s leadership determined that closure was their last resort. A statement from Brookes UK conveyed deep regret over the permanent closure, effective immediately. The school’s declaration of insolvency will now lead to a voluntary liquidation process.

Insolvency Practitioners in Norwich to Take Care of Formal Proceedings

The liquidation process will be managed by McTear Williams & Wood Limited, based in Norwich. David Rose, a director at Brookes Education Group, reflected on the school’s significance, emphasizing it was “more than just a place of learning” but also “a community of committed educators, supportive families, and talented young people.” This closure comes as a major blow to the locals in the area, especially for the teachers and the students of the institute.

The news comes approximately four months after the school unveiled a major transformation, including a planned investment of up to £1 million. This initiative aimed to align the Risby campus with other Brookes schools globally, which have locations in Canada, India, and Russia. Future plans also included the introduction of the International Baccalaureate. This was supposed to be a first for East Anglia alongside refurbishments, new IT equipment, and the construction of a sports dome.

The board of directors extended their sincere gratitude to the families, students, staff, and local community for their support over the years. A dedicated communication channel has been established for all inquiries related to the school’s closure.