Saturday update: Over £90,00 now raised to save the school. Read more here.
Around £60,000 has been raised in 24 hours to secure the future of a Cumbrian independent school.
Hunter Hall, in Penrith, said the school would be forced to close at the end of this term unless it could raise a total of £180,000.
It launched an online fundraiser and so far the total stands at £60,150.
Hunter Hall said it was a victim of the Government’s addition of VAT to school fees and governors had been exploring all options to secure the school’s future
Despite significant cost-saving measures implemented over the past year, including negotiated rent reductions and staff voluntarily accepting a 7.5% salary reduction, several anticipated savings have not materialised. As a result, the school is facing a larger than expected deficit for the 2025–2026 financial year.
It currently has 79 pupils aged three to 11 years old and opened its doors in 1986. It employs 20 staff.
The school will hold a meeting for parents today, Friday November 28, at 7pm, offering both in-person and remote attendance, to provide further information and answer questions.
Donations can be made via the school’s official Crowdfunder page .
