The John Whitgift Foundation has sold the historic Old Palace senior school site in Croydon to Curwen Group for £4.7m.
Curwen Group intends to lease the site to Serenity Education Group, which will open a special educational needs school in September.
The sale encompasses the Great Hall, Old Palace, Science Block and Cathedral Building sections of the former independent school campus.
The foundation remains in advanced negotiations regarding the sale of the remaining site areas with proceeds from all sales directed to the foundation’s education covenant.
Roisha Hughes, chief executive of John Whitgift Foundation, said: “The decision made in September 2023 to close Old Palace school was a particularly difficult one. As the school finally closed its doors to pupils earlier this summer, completing this sale will allow a new use of the site for educational purposes. We wish Serenity Education Group all the best with their new venture.”
Emma Cleugh, head of education and charities at Knight Frank, which acted for the John Whitgift Foundation on the sale, added: “We are delighted to facilitate the sale on behalf of John Whitgift Foundation. The property has a fascinating history stretching back to the ninth century and has served as a school since 1889, so we’re thrilled that the new buyer will continue its educational use. There’s significant demand for SEN provision and insufficient schools available to meet that need. We look forward to seeing what Serenity Education Group will achieve as they begin the new 2025-26 school year.”
