Geraldton’s historic Nagle Catholic College will close its boarding house in 2015.
The decision was made earlier this month after two reviews were completed last year that suggested the boarding house was not financially sustainable.
College principal Declan Tanham said recent demographic changes had resulted in fewer boarders, leaving the College at a financial loss.
“Nationally there’s been a decrease in the demand for boarding, and that’s the same here in the Midwest and across WA,” he said.
“Farms are getting bigger and the number of families working on farms is decreasing, so all of that [leads to] fewer children seeking boarding places.”
Mr Tanham said the boarding house itself “is not contemporary and does not meet modern standards.”
While students in the higher year levels will be able to complete their studies unaffected, younger students will need to make alternative arrangements if they require accommodation.
Geraldton Bishop Justin Bianchini said the end result was “quite disappointing”.
“It affects some people pretty deeply,” he said.
“I share the disappointment of the people, especially those affected deeply by the change.”
The school is currently working through a number of options to accommodate students beyond 2015. It is hoped that an agreement can be made for Nagle College students to board at Geraldton Residential College, which is less than one kilometre away.
However, unlike Nagle’s boarding house which has two separate houses for boys and girls, Geraldton Residential College has only one house with separate living quarters.
“We will work with them to assist our families to relocate if they choose to,” Mr Tanham said.
Mr Tanham rejected claims that the College’s boarding fees are the cause of decreased numbers of boarders.
“We would be among the cheaper schools,” he said.
In 2012 the cost of boarding at Nagle College for the year was $14,604 plus tuition fees.
There are no other Catholic boarding facilities in the Geraldton diocese.
A school meeting on the issue was due to be held as The Record went to press on Tuesday this week.