A charity set up to support a Worcestershire school will continue even though the school has closed.

Abberley Hall School closed its doors for the final time last weekend.

But the chairman of the Abberley Hall Foundation has vowed to carry on.

Henry Berkeley said: “It is a travesty that Abberley with its outstanding educational success has had to close, but the Foundation intends to continue to support Abberley Hall and its alumni and, where possible, award educational grants.

Malvern Gazette: Thomas Goddard, grandson of Gilbert Ashton; Kiloran McGrigor, granddaughter of Gilbert Ashton; Jonnie Besley, headmaster; Andrew Inglis and Charles InglisThomas Goddard, grandson of Gilbert Ashton; Kiloran McGrigor, granddaughter of Gilbert Ashton; Jonnie Besley, headmaster; Andrew Inglis and Charles Inglis (Image: Jonathan West)

“Alumni and those interested in supporting Abberley’s history are invited to register at https://alumni.abberleyhall.co.uk so that we can keep in touch and promote the long history of the school.”

The foundation was set up in 2001 and has restored parts of Abberley Hall’s Grade II* Listed early Victorian interiors, paintings and lighting, the Pulham water gardens, balustrades, the clock face and chimes of the Clock Tower, and has instigated orchard and woodland management projects on the estate.

According to Mr Berkely, it had plans for much more.

Rhoddy Swire, a trustee of the foundation, who attended the school in the 1950s and served as chairman of the school governors from 1996 to 2006, has four grandchildren at Abberley who now have to change schools.

READ MORE: Abberley Hall School has closed for the final time

He said: “Abberley Hall has a proud history of over 145 years at the forefront of preparatory education, winning scholarships and placements to some of the finest schools in the land such as Winchester, Eton, Harrow, Rugby, Radley, Wycombe Abbey, Shrewsbury and Cheltenham College.

“It was named Tatler Best Prep School in 2023. Of the latest group of Year 8 leavers, there were a huge number of scholarships and exhibitions to senior schools in academics, sport, drama, art and leadership.

“Since 2019, pupils have been awarded over 141 scholarships and exhibitions to over 18 different schools.

“The school is also very proud of maintaining its 100% success rate at common entrance with all children successfully gaining entry to their first choice of future school. It is very, very sad to lose all of this.”