Angry parents at a historic Kent private school have forced an emergency meeting with governors. It follows the shock announcement that the institution will merge and move to a different site.
Last week, St Lawrence College in Ramsgate and Dover College revealed plans to become a single school by September 2026. The new entity, St Lawrence Dover College, is set to operate entirely from the current Dover College campus. This move effectively ends the presence of the school in Ramsgate after nearly 150 years.
Families at St Lawrence College say they were never consulted. The decision sparked immediate backlash and protests at the school gates. In response, governors agreed to sit down with concerned parents. They claim “unsustainability” left them with no other choice.
Demonstrations at the school gates
Protests broke out on 25 February. This was just 24 hours after the merger went public. Students and parents gathered at the Ramsgate site to voice their opposition. Many feel the loss of the 147-year-old institution is a blow to the local area.
Frustration among the families is high because of the lack of warning. Several parents pointed out that the two towns are 20 miles apart. They are worried about the commute and the potential for local job losses.
One parent told local reporters the community felt “blindsided.” They described the plan to sell the campus for development as a “betrayal.”
Debts and falling pupil numbers
A letter sent to parents on 27 February by the Chair of Governors defended the proposal. It revealed that St Lawrence College is currently struggling with roughly £7 million in debt and liabilities.
The school has tried to cut costs over the past year. However, pupil numbers have continued to drop. Currently, fewer than 400 pupils are enrolled. This is despite the school having enough space for 720. Governors warned that without this merger, the school might have been forced to close entirely.
The Repton Family of Schools is facilitating the deal. Under the current plan:
- The Ramsgate site of St Lawrence College will be sold for development.
- Proceeds from that sale will clear the school’s £7 million debt.
- Any money left over will be put toward the new Dover campus.
- Repton and HSBC will provide the cash needed to keep things running until the 2026 opening.
Structure of the new school
The combined institution will become part of the Repton group. This is a global network that looks after more than 10,000 pupils. Matthew Brown, who currently leads St Lawrence College, will become the Head of the new merged school. Phil Tattersall-King, the Head of Dover College, is taking the role of Head of Senior School.
Governors call the merger a “vote of confidence” for the sector. They believe Repton’s financial backing offers the long-term security that neither school could find alone.
While the new school plans to offer boarding and day options for ages two to 18, many are sceptical. Critics argue that you cannot simply move the unique spirit of the Ramsgate school to a new town.
Pressures on private education
This merger is happening during a tough time for UK independent schools. Many are finding it hard to cope with new financial burdens. These include the addition of VAT to school fees and the removal of business rates relief.
Repton has managed similar moves before. In 2025, Marlborough House and Vinehall School also merged under the group.
Governors now face a series of difficult meetings this week. They maintain that moving is the only way to save the school’s name. However, many parents still feel the Ramsgate community has been let down. These upcoming talks will be the first time parents can challenge the board directly over the lack of transparency.
