The Jesuits in Britain are deeply saddened to hear of the closure of Mount St Mary's College and its preparatory school, Barlborough Hall.

The Jesuits have had a presence in Spinkhill, Derbyshire since 1580, founding Mount St Mary's College in 1842 and opening Barlborough Hall as its preparatory school in 1939. The Jesuits ran the schools for many years before transferring governance to a new charitable trust with its own independent board of governors in 2006. At that time, the Jesuits gifted the land, buildings and financial investments valued at £10.4 million to the new trust, along with an additional £7.1 million to support a sustainable future for the schools.

Unfortunately, since 2015, the schools have faced persistent financial difficulties. Throughout this period, we have accompanied them closely, providing over £3 million in loans on concessional terms, allowing repayment deferrals, and releasing property to enable sales. Despite the commitment and hard work of many, the schools have continued to operate at a loss.

The board of governors, independent since 2006, has now taken the painful but necessary decision to close the schools, concluding that there is no realistic prospect of financial recovery. This comes amid mounting pressures on the independent education sector across the UK, including the introduction of VAT on school fees and the removal of business rate reliefs, which have made the schools’ financial position unsustainable.

Though this chapter closes, the legacy of St Mary's and Barlborough Hall remains a beacon of hope. For generations, these schools have been places of faith, learning, and community, deeply rooted in the Ignatian tradition of forming young people who are reflective, compassionate, and committed to serving others.

Looking ahead, we pray that the spirit of these schools will continue to inspire all who carry their values forward. It is humbling to remember that Jesuits have quietly lived and worked in Spinkhill since 1580, often through great challenges. When Robert Persons, Edmund Campion, and Ralph Emerson came to England in secret during the English Reformation, they found shelter at Spinkhill Hall, the very house that became Mount St Mary’s College. We hope that the courage, faith, and care which have shaped this place will continue to inspire everyone whose lives have been touched by it, wherever they go.

We are profoundly grateful to all those who have given life to the schools since their foundation: governors, teachers, chaplains, support staff, parents, alumni, and above all, the pupils. We are especially mindful of those directly affected by this news and hold the entire schools’ community in our prayers.

The Jesuits in Britain remain committed to walking alongside young people on their journey of growth, faith, and meaning, trusting that new paths will emerge from this moment of challenge.