HOPES that a school in Hoylake could reopen have suffered a blow after a potential partnership with a leading Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) fell through.

Kingsmead School closed in 2020, during the pandemic after pupil numbers dropped to just 129 and it was deemed financially unviable for the private school to remain open. 

Plans to resurrect the historic site at Bertram Drive were mooted in 2023 when the Kingsmead Trust announced it was partnering with Oasis which is one of the country's largest MATs responsible for 53 schools across England.

Discussions to find the best way to develop the school’s 116 year legacy have since been ongoing but it has now been confirmed that the partnership has ended. 

A spokesperson for the Kingsmead Trust said: "The potential for an Oasis Kingsmead site was profoundly attractive to the trustees of Kingsmead School.

"So, the original plan grew out of an invitation from Kingsmead to Oasis to work together to set up a free school, with an emphasis on Oasis’ hallmark model of therapeutic education alongside many of the Kingsmead distinctive qualities and characteristics.

"However, with political and other changes, the possibility of opening such a school in the foreseeable future is not now feasible.

"It is worth saying that in recent changing times, both Oasis and Kingsmead have tried very hard to make this potentially fruitful partnership work in other ways, with some new perspectives, ideas and adjustments. There is great respect on both sides but, because of the complexities of the changing situation, we have agreed to go our own ways."

Over 1,100 private schools have closed in the UK between May 2010 and July 2024 with the new Labour government's decision to impose VAT on private schools from January 2025 expected to see that number rise.

The spokesperson added: "This decision has been taken as part of a process which always involved a journey of learning, mutual understanding and pioneering experiment.

"It means that Oasis will continue its leading role in educational reform and innovation and Kingsmead will now continue with its original mission to serve the Wirral community but in a different way."

Kingsmead School was founded in 1904 by Arthur Watts, a Baptist minister and mathematician.

The founder’s grandson, Murray Watts, who grew up at Kingsmead, added: “We wish Oasis well, and we know that they also wish Kingsmead very well."