As was recently announced in the Press and to interested parties associated with the School, the Governors of St Lawrence College have been engaging in detailed discussions to prepare for a merger between St Lawrence College and Dover College. This has been under the overall control and management of the Repton Schools Group. The announcement of these plans was triggered by the necessity to address the financial viability and continuity of the College following the severe effect of financial pressures caused by falling pupil numbers, the imposition of VAT on fees, the removal of the exemption from business rates and the effect of Covid.
The Governors, in the light of the significant, clear and voluble reaction around the School community, both past and present, and in the light of matters that have become apparent since these discussions began, have reflected on and reconsidered the options open to the College for its future. The engagement between Repton Schools and Dover College has therefore been halted with immediate effect. This is in order to be able to reconsider the options open to St Lawrence College for guaranteeing its future as a Christian based, independent Junior and Senior School serving the community of Thanet as well as its wider worldwide catchment area.
The whole family of Lawrentians, past and present are keen to preserve both the ethos and longevity of the College and the Governors will ensure that revised plans are announced to all interested parties as soon as is practicable. The Governors and Senior Leadership Team of the College are very aware of the considerable disquiet that has arisen since the first announcement, but they look forward to the support of the wider Lawrentian community when further announcements can be made. The Governors will publicise more detailed plans for the next months and years as these are developed. In the meantime, their intention is that the remainder of this academic year will progress as usual with a focus on stability and support for our most valuable asset, namely our students in both schools, Junior and Senior, and for all the staff who care for them.