Moreton Hall School Trust Limited Has Acquired The Freehold Interest Of The School Buildings And 30 Acres Of Parkland That It Currently Occupies.
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk – 20 th October 2009 – The Governors, Headmaster, staff and pupils of Moreton Hall Preparatory School are delighted to announce the good news that they have concluded the purchase of their beloved school.
Interestingly, had it not been for the current economic climate the acquisition might not have been possible. Chairman of the Governors, Mr Michael Whatley said “paradoxically the timing of the sale has been good for the school as property prices are reasonable and interest rates are low”.
The purchase of the school is something that the Trust has been looking to secure for several years. In a sector that has seen so much uncertainty in the recent past this landmark acquisition ensures that the hard work and spirit of the school will continue to inspire future generations of pupils
Lady Miriam Hubbard, a sister of the 17 th Duke of Norfolk, founded the school in 1962 along with her husband Lieutenant-Commander Peregrine Hubbard, Geoffrey de Guingand and Freddie MacManus. Th e Catholic ethos of the founders is still very much at the heart of the school in the five school values which underpin life at Moreton Hall namely: Community, Hospitality, Humility, Reconciliation, and Service.
Whilst the Governors of the School have worked hard to put the right financial backing in place there is no doubt that the support of the founders’ descendents has been crucial to the transaction taking place. “It is a testament to their spirit of magnanimity that we have been able to secure the long term future of the school” said Benedict Dunhill, Headmaster.
The whole school community is delighted with the news. Pupil numbers at Moreton Hall remain constant despite the economic downturn with the school set to go from strength to strength. Boarding has grown in popularity due to the value that parents place on the all round education on offer at the school.
The school will shortly outline future proposals for short, medium and long term development plans.
Parents and children remain a crucial part of the consultation process. “There is a great sense of expectation of this being such a very special moment in the school’s history as it has been for many great schools in the past” says the Headmaster proudly, “Our first plan is to organise a suitable celebration for this historic event. We will be holding a tea party and disco for the children and we are planning a series of celebratory receptions for parents and friends of the school both past and present in the next few weeks.”
About the School In General:
The school is an independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 ¾ - 13 years which feeds a wide range of senior schools throughout the country. This year’s successes include two ‘Academic and Sports’ scholarships won to Millfield and Ipswich School with other pupils gaining places at their first choice senior schools.
Alumni include Larry Achike, Commonwealth gold winner for the Triple Jump while the school’s Houseparent Mrs Doreen Young can been seen on BBC television as “Miss Young” in the popular series Evacuation.
In March 2009 Ofsted inspected the boarding standards and standards of care at the school. The school was awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating in the three key areas governing pupil life at Moreton Hall: ‘Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do’; ‘Helping children make a positive contribution’; and ‘Management and Organisation of Boarding’;
Set in 30 acres of parkland on the edge of Bury St. Edmunds, the school occupies a fine Palladian mansion built by famed architect Robert Adam in 1773. The house is Grade 2 * listed and visitors are welcome for tours by costumed guides during Heritage Open Days. Other tours by arrangement.
For information:
Email: office@moretonhall.net
School Website: http:// www. moretonhall.net
Ofsted http:// http://www.ofsted.gov.uk
Architectural Information: http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Contact: The Headmaster – Benedict Dunhill
Phone: 01284 753532
