Overview
WEMMS Education Unlimited Limited operated Woodstock House School, an independent specialist school in Long Ditton, Surrey. The school provides education for around 50 pupils with autism and other special educational needs, and most placements are funded by local authorities.
The company experienced financial difficulties which became apparent after the current trustees took over the running of the school. Together with significant rent arrears that had built up over time, these issues placed considerable pressure on the business.
David Kemp and Richard Hunt of Exigen Group were appointed Joint Administrators on 14 August 2026 to protect the company’s position and complete a sale of the school. The business and assets were sold to Kingswood House School immediately following the appointment, securing the future of the school, its pupils and its staff.
The Background
Before the current trustees became involved, the business had been struggling financially, which was only identified when the current trustees took over. When the previous management left, five parents of children attending the school stepped forward to act as directors and trustees to keep the school operating while they looked for a longer-term solution.
After becoming increasingly concerned about the school’s financial position, the trustees sought professional advice from a solicitor who recommended Exigen Group. Following this referral, David Kemp met with the board and concluded that the company was insolvent.
Given the nature of the business, careful planning was required before entering administration. Unlike many commercial businesses, decisions affecting a specialist school have implications for pupils, families, staff and local authorities, making continuity of education a key consideration throughout the process.
The Challenges
The priority throughout was to preserve the school as a going concern and find a buyer able to take it forward. Specialist SEN provision is already under significant pressure, and the team quickly established there was very limited capacity elsewhere in the region. Closure would have left around 50 children without a suitable placement at very short notice.
Every effort was made to keep the school operating while options for its future were explored, including delaying our official appointment until the children finished school for the summer holiday, minimising disruption to pupils and their families.
Throughout that time, our team had many discussions with a number of interested education providers, and the school would not have had this time without the cooperation of the landlord, Newcore Capital Management LLP, which was owed a substantial amount in rent arrears.
The Outcome of the Woodstock House School Administration
With terms agreed in advance, administration provided the legal framework to complete the transaction and transfer the business to new ownership.
David Kemp and Richard Hunt were appointed Joint Administrators of WEMMS Education Unlimited Limited on 14 August 2026. A sale of the business and assets of Woodstock House School to Kingswood House School completed following the appointment, and the school opened as planned for the 2026-27 academic year, meaning education continued without interruption.
Administrator Comment
David Kemp, Joint Administrator at Exigen Group, said:
“This is an excellent outcome for the children, their families and the staff. Specialist schools such as Woodstock House provide a vital service and keeping it open means these children keep their teachers, their classrooms and their routine.
Throughout the process we worked closely with the trustees to understand the school’s history and financial challenges, advise them on their options and work towards the best possible outcome. They stepped in when the school needed them and deserve enormous credit for their commitment to securing its future.”