St Clare’s school in Porthcawl shut in December. It will reopen as a new school in September after parents and supporters raised funds to transfer the lease.
St Clare’s School, Porthcawl, closed at the end of the Christmas term in December 2025
Parents and supporters of a top Welsh school which shut at the end of last term are to reopen it after buying out the lease. St Clare’s School in Porthcawl will be re-named Clare House School when it opens as a new not-for-profit independent school opening in September.
Sally Davies, who last year stepped down as headteacher of another top independent school, Howells in Llandaff, has been appointed executive head. A board set up and run by parents and supporters initially aimed to save the much-loved school securing more than £1m of funding, but those plans have now altered to a buy out of the lease for an undisclosed sum.
“Completion of the transfer of a 106-year lease for the former St Clare’s School site from previous operator Cognita will secure the future of independent education in Porthcawl,” the board said in a statement on Thursday, February 19.
“The site has an 87-year educational legacy in south Wales, and taking ownership of the lease will confirm long-term stability for the new school, ” the board added.
Education company Cognita UK, which operates a number of schools across the UK, held the lease and ran St Clare’s School previously, declined to comment. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
At the time it shut the school Cognita said St Clare’s was successful academically but “economic volatility” and “factors beyond our control” meant they could not keep it open.
The new board believes there is a market for a good independent school in Porthcawl and that there has been interest and support from new and previous parents. The new board said that having secured the lease from Cognita it will now deal directly with the landlord of the site who is local.
The new Clare House School will initially open for children aged 3–11 (early years to year six) with 120 places. The plan is then that the school will expand year-on-year. Previously St Clare’s School ran from aged three to A levels at 18.
It will operate as a not-for-profit independent school governed by SCIST – a company limited by guarantee with no shareholders. All school fees will be reinvested directly into the educational experience, students, facilities, and staff, the board said.
Announcing the plans and the new head the board added: “The board has confirmed the appointment of Sally Davis as executive head of Clare House School. Sally brings more than 33 years’ experience in independent education including 17 years as head of school at Howell’s School Llandaff.
“Sally is widely respected for her leadership, strong pastoral ethos and ability to build thriving school communities. Sally’s leadership is grounded in the belief that excellent teaching, meaningful relationships and a supportive culture are fundamental to helping children thrive both academically and personally.”
Ms Davis said she was looking forward to leading the new school. “I am delighted to be appointed executive head of Clare House School and to lead the school into its future,” she said. “What transforms a child’s experience is excellent teaching, strong relationships and a community that believes in them. Clare House School will offer all three from day one.”
Rachael Harman, chair of the board of trustees, added: “Securing the commitment to obtain ownership of the 106-year lease for the former St Clare’s School Site and appointing our executive head are two defining milestones.
“Sally’s experience, warmth and ambition make her an exceptional leader for Clare House School. Together we are creating a forward-looking, inclusive school that offers choice for families and opportunities for children to thrive.”
Work to recruit teachers and other staff and take admissions start early next month. A launch event to explain the plans to the local community and others will also be held in March.
Board member and education consultant Michael Harris, who has experience setting up schools, explained that under a deed of covenant the site has to be used for educational purposes.
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