School may get smaller

AN independent school in Caversham might stop teaching older pupils after this academic year ends.

Hemdean House School in Hemdean Road currently teaches boys from nursery level to year 6 and girls from the same age up to year 11.

Now it is considering shutting the girls’ senior department following a review of enrolment numbers and the school finances. A consultation for staff who teach at this level finished last week.

In a statement, the school’s board of governors said: “We know this is difficult news for many staff, parents and the wider school community.

“This has not been an easy decision for the governors and was an option of last resort.



“The governors’ primary focus is to grow and build on the exceptional education the school has been providing for the past 150 years.

“They remain ever mindful of the tradition of Hemdean and its role and contribution to the community.”

The nursery, infant and junior departments would not be affected.

The school has been in Hemdean Road since 1862.