26 Jun 2025, 10:05Pastor Emanuel Bran
Dudley House School Closure
Dear NEC Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that we inform you of the decision to close Dudley House School at the end of the current academic year, July 2025.
For many decades, Dudley House School has been a beacon of Christ-centred education, nurturing and equipping children academically, spiritually, and morally. We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering dedication of staff, parents, church members, and leaders who have faithfully sustained this ministry through the years.
The decision to close was not made lightly. Despite the tireless efforts of the staff and School Board, enrolment has steadily declined to just 20 pupils over the past years. While this has fostered close community bonds, it has also limited our ability to deliver a broad, dynamic learning experience. Financially, the school has operated at a significant deficit for several years, with the NEC contributing over £840,000 in subsidies since 2016. Recent government legislation changes, affecting private schools, (20% VAT, Removal of Business Rates relief from only paying 20% to 100%, increase in employee national insurance contributions and the rise in minimum wages), have further exacerbated the financial challenges. After extensive prayer, consultation, and exploration of every possible alternative, the NEC Executive Committee has concluded that closure is the most responsible and faithful course of action to steward our shared resources for the broader mission of the Church.
We do not take this decision lightly, and we grieve the sense of loss it brings. Yet, we remain steadfast in our commitment to Seventh-day Adventist education. The North England Conference is actively exploring new models of delivery, including:
Early Years Education Hubs to provide nurturing, faith-based environments for our youngest children.
A potential online Adventist schooling platform to serve families across our territory.
We acknowledge that this transition brings sorrow, uncertainty, and disruption. Please be assured that we are walking alongside the students, families, and staff, offering pastoral care and practical support. Though the doors of Dudley House School may close, the mission of Seventh-day Adventist education will continue with new opportunities ahead.
We invite all our churches across the NEC to remember those impacted in your prayers and to continue supporting the vision of Seventh-day Adventist education in the months and years to come.
As we move forward, we rest on the promises of Scripture: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
We trust that God will guide each child, family, and staff member into the next chapter of their journey, and that His blessing will remain on the educational ministry of our Conference.
Finally, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to the parents, school board members, Grantham Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the dedicated staff of Dudley House School. Your service, sacrifice, and commitment have not gone unnoticed.
May we move forward together in faith, confident that God is leading each step of the way.
Pastor Emanuel Bran
Executive Secretary
On behalf of the North England Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Officers (Pastor Dr Steve Palmer, President, and Elder Michael Agyei-Asare, Treasurer) and the Executive Committee
Dear NEC Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that we inform you of the decision to close Dudley House School at the end of the current academic year, July 2025.
For many decades, Dudley House School has been a beacon of Christ-centred education, nurturing and equipping children academically, spiritually, and morally. We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering dedication of staff, parents, church members, and leaders who have faithfully sustained this ministry through the years.
The decision to close was not made lightly. Despite the tireless efforts of the staff and School Board, enrolment has steadily declined to just 20 pupils over the past years. While this has fostered close community bonds, it has also limited our ability to deliver a broad, dynamic learning experience. Financially, the school has operated at a significant deficit for several years, with the NEC contributing over £840,000 in subsidies since 2016. Recent government legislation changes, affecting private schools, (20% VAT, Removal of Business Rates relief from only paying 20% to 100%, increase in employee national insurance contributions and the rise in minimum wages), have further exacerbated the financial challenges. After extensive prayer, consultation, and exploration of every possible alternative, the NEC Executive Committee has concluded that closure is the most responsible and faithful course of action to steward our shared resources for the broader mission of the Church.
We do not take this decision lightly, and we grieve the sense of loss it brings. Yet, we remain steadfast in our commitment to Seventh-day Adventist education. The North England Conference is actively exploring new models of delivery, including:
Early Years Education Hubs to provide nurturing, faith-based environments for our youngest children.
A potential online Adventist schooling platform to serve families across our territory.
We acknowledge that this transition brings sorrow, uncertainty, and disruption. Please be assured that we are walking alongside the students, families, and staff, offering pastoral care and practical support. Though the doors of Dudley House School may close, the mission of Seventh-day Adventist education will continue with new opportunities ahead.
We invite all our churches across the NEC to remember those impacted in your prayers and to continue supporting the vision of Seventh-day Adventist education in the months and years to come.
As we move forward, we rest on the promises of Scripture: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
We trust that God will guide each child, family, and staff member into the next chapter of their journey, and that His blessing will remain on the educational ministry of our Conference.
Finally, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to the parents, school board members, Grantham Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the dedicated staff of Dudley House School. Your service, sacrifice, and commitment have not gone unnoticed.
May we move forward together in faith, confident that God is leading each step of the way.
Pastor Emanuel Bran
Executive Secretary
On behalf of the North England Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Officers (Pastor Dr Steve Palmer, President, and Elder Michael Agyei-Asare, Treasurer) and the Executive Committee
