St Wilfrid’s Trust, which is a charity linked to the Diocese of Exeter, has published the following statement in response to the news that St Wilfrid’s School in Exeter is to close:
“St Wilfrid’s Trust is deeply saddened by the announcement that St Wilfrid’s School will cease operations at the end of the current academic year. We recognise the distress and uncertainty this news will cause for pupils, parents, staff, and the wider community who have been part of the school over many generations.
The Trust understands that questions have been raised about its role in recent developments. We wish to make it clear that the Trust owns the school buildings but does not own the school. We also wish to clarify that the decision to close the school was taken solely by the school’s directors following their assessment of its financial position and long-term viability. The Trust had no part in that decision.
Throughout our engagement with the school, the Trust has sought to act responsibly and in line with its legal and charitable duties. This has included working to secure arrangements that are fair, transparent, and financially sustainable, while ensuring the long-term stewardship of the Trust’s assets.
Discussions regarding lease arrangements took place over an extended period and reflected both changing economic conditions and the Trust’s obligations as custodian of the site. During this time, the Trust remained open to dialogue and explored a range of potential options to support the continuation of educational provision.
While we do not agree with a number of assertions that have been made about the Trust’s actions and motivations, our focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring a respectful and constructive way forward. We remain open to constructive engagement with stakeholders where appropriate.
The Trust also wishes to pay tribute to the generations of staff, pupils, families, and supporters who have contributed to the life of St Wilfrid’s School over more than 150 years. Its place in the community is significant and will be remembered with pride.”
St Wilfrid’s Trust was originally set up in relation to the Sisters of St Wilfrid. This was an Anglican order of nuns established in Exeter in 1866 to care for the poor and provide education. The last remaining nun died in a nursing home in a nursing home at the age of 102. There is a plaque to the Sisters outside the Saint Catherine and Andrew Chapel Exeter Cathedral. The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt. Rev’d Moira Astin, and the Diocesan Director of Education are among the trustees of St Wilfrid’s Trust.
As well as leasing out the St Wilfrid’s school site and providing funds to enable bursaries for families on low incomes, the St Wilfrid Trust has awarded thousands of pounds to schools in Devon, for children of all ages, to help with facilities, books and technology. During Covid it provided both technology to schools so lessons could continue and also provided practical help to struggling families.