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A private school in Moray that was co founded by Oscar winning actress Tilda Swinton is set to close after trustees announced that financial challenges have made it impossible for the institution to continue operating.
Drumduan School, which has been based near Forres for the past 40 years, has been known for offering an alternative approach to education that emphasized practical learning and creativity instead of traditional testing. The school followed the Steiner Waldorf philosophy, combining artistic and physical activities with academic subjects such as mathematics and science to provide what it described as a holistic education.
The trustees confirmed that the remaining kindergarten provision will come to an end on 30 June at the close of the academic year. The announcement follows the earlier closure of the lower school in February and the upper school in March after a review of the school’s financial sustainability.
In a statement, the trustees described the decision as very sad and said it came only after careful consideration of the financial realities facing the institution. They explained that despite sustained efforts to secure alternative funding they had been unable to establish the financial foundations needed to continue operating. They also said staff and families are being supported during the transition with individual guidance and conversations about the next steps.
Drumduan became well known for its unique educational methods. During a visit by BBC Scotland News in 2017 pupils began their day with tai chi style exercises while science lessons included activities such as canoe building and cooking. The school aimed to connect practical skills with academic learning in a way that encouraged creativity and curiosity.
Tilda Swinton co founded an earlier version of Drumduan’s upper school and her own twin children attended the institution. The actress has enjoyed an acclaimed film career winning an Academy Award for her performance in Michael Clayton and appearing in films such as Grand Budapest Hotel as well as Marvel productions including Doctor Strange and Avengers Endgame.
The school also pointed to wider financial challenges affecting the private education sector. Trustees said that the introduction of VAT on private school fees in January 2025 made costs significantly harder for families to absorb while also increasing the school’s own running expenses. After approving a 20 percent fee increase from August last year pupil numbers declined further adding to the financial strain.
Drumduan is one of several independent schools in Scotland facing similar pressures. Schools including Fettes College in Edinburgh and Albyn School in Aberdeen have also announced cost cutting measures and potential job losses as they respond to what has been described as a rapidly changing educational and financial environment.
The trustees expressed gratitude to the school’s staff families friends and supporters who contributed to Drumduan over four decades. They said they take comfort in knowing that the children who passed through the school will carry with them the learning creativity and human connections that were nurtured during their time at the institution.
