Wandsworth Council faces a significant financial challenge at Bradstow School, a special community school and children's home in Broadstairs, Kent, with a deficit nearing £4 million. The council cites this deficit as the primary reason for rejecting proposed solutions from the Bradstow community and the Cygnus Academy Trust.
The Children's Overview and Scrutiny Committee addressed the issue at a meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025, focusing on a petition signed by almost 1,700 people urging the council to halt the proposed closure of the school and find solutions to its financial woes. The public reports pack notes that the school currently carries a £1.2 million deficit, driven by financial challenges within the sector and the unwillingness of some councils to pay for the support needed for pupils.
The petition specifically requests that Wandsworth Council engage with Kent County Council, school leaders, governors, and other stakeholders to settle outstanding debts and agree on a sustainable financial model, potentially transferring oversight to Kent County Council.
Wandsworth Council took over responsibility for Bradstow School in 1990, following the abolition of the Inner London Education Authority. A significant portion of the school's pupils come from Kent.
The council has rejected pausing the closure process, citing the school's substantial financial deficit, which escalates to approximately £4 million when including unpaid fees from Kent County Council. Legal action to recover these unpaid fees has been restarted.
For over three years, Wandsworth Council has been exploring the possibility of transferring the school to Kent County Council, even offering the freehold of the property. However, Kent County Council has declined the offer, deeming the building unsuitable and stating they would find alternative educational provisions for the students if the closure proceeds.
The Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the matter, with Councillor Sheila Boswell, chair of the committee, expressing gratitude to the Bradstow School community for hosting a site visit last month. Sarah Adams, representing the Bradstow community, addressed the committee, highlighting the school's importance for vulnerable children and the potential for financial viability through restructuring and increased pupil numbers. Adams noted that Bradstow has partnered with Cygnus Academy Trust and is actively conducting mutual due diligence with the aim of academisation.
Paul O'Dwyer, a parent and governor at Bradstow, spoke about the academy options, stating, We feel in a very strong position that academisation of this school is viable, it's eminently achievable, and it awaits us.
Councillor Kate Stock, Cabinet Member for Children, acknowledged the financial challenges but expressed optimism about the prospect of academisation. She also noted that discussions were held with an academy that has experience of running five special schools, but they've recently withdrawn their interest. The public reports pack confirms that after careful consideration, one of the interested parties decided not to pursue their interest in Bradstow.
Michael Hallick addressed the committee regarding the school's financial situation, noting that the fees are driven by the costs of the school, and the school's sustainability relies on recovering its costs and having a surplus.
