St Gerard’s School in Bangor has announced it will close at the end of the current academic year.
In a letter sent to parents on 21 May 2026, the Trustees and Management of the school said the decision had been made “with a very heavy heart” and followed a sustained period of financial pressure.
The school, based on Ffriddoedd Road, will continue operating until the end of term on 3 July 2026, with public examinations continuing as planned between 6 May and 16 June.
In the letter, the school said recent changes, including the introduction of VAT on school fees, loss of charitable status, rising National Insurance costs, other increasing costs, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining pupil numbers, meant the school was “unfortunately no longer viable”.
St Gerard’s has been part of the Bangor community for more than a century. The school said it was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1917 with just two pupils, and had grown into a close-knit, family-orientated community.
The letter stated: “St Gerard’s has always been more than just a school — it has been a community. While this is a very difficult moment, the friendships, experiences and achievements built here will continue long after the school closes.”
The school said it would work closely with families to help pupils find suitable alternative provision, while also supporting staff in finding new roles.
FRP Advisory has been engaged to review and support options for the school’s closure at the end of term, including ensuring creditors, including staff, are treated appropriately.
The closure has prompted sadness and concern locally, with Bangor Conwy Môn MS Helen Jenner issuing a statement following the announcement.
Helen Jenner MS said:
“Official statement regarding the closure of St Gerard’s School, Bangor, at the end of the current academic year.
“As someone who worked in education for 15 years, I genuinely find the news about St Gerard’s incredibly sad.
“A school that has been part of Bangor for generations is now closing its doors, and it’s the pupils, parents and staff who will carry the uncertainty and worry that comes with it.
“What frustrates me is that nobody in government seems willing to speak honestly about the knock on effect this will now have on the wider education system in Wales.
“Those pupils still need educating. Many will now move into a state sector that is already under immense strain due to stretched budgets, recruitment problems and falling standards. Wales sits at the bottom of UK PISA rankings, yet instead of focusing energy on improving outcomes, The Labour UK government has chosen to pile more and more pressure onto independent schools out of pure ideological spite.
“This should never be about politics or point scoring. Every parent simply wants their child to feel safe, supported and to have the best possible chance in life.
“That’s what I believe education should be about.”
The school said further information and guidance would be shared with parents shortly after the half-term break, including details about the final term and next steps.
