Gwynedd private school blames 'economic realities' as it confirms it will close

A private school will close at the end of the academic year.

In a statement on the school’s website, the owners of Bangor’s Hillgrove School, James and Sylvia Porter, blamed “economic realities” for the decision to shut the doors at the end of this academic year.

The school, on Ffriddoedd Road, was founded in 1934 – the current owners have run the school since in 1975.

There are understood to be around 150 pupils currently enrolled, opting out of the local authority’s bilingual education requirements.

The statement reads: “It is with great sadness that my wife and I have to announce that Hillgrove School will not be continuing beyond the end of this term.

“As you will readily appreciate, this decision has not been taken suddenly or lightly, but the economic realities mean that the School will not be able to function into the next academic year.

“This School has served the families of Bangor and North Wales since 1934 and it has been our privilege to have personally overseen its activities since 1975.

“We remember with pride and fondness the children who have passed through our care over the years and wish our current pupils every success as they leave us for pastures new.”