The Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey – School announces “cut off” date for claims – 30th June 2023

Lime Solicitors acts for 22 former pupils of the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey. These former pupils allege sexual, emotional and physical abuse against a number of former members of staff between 1964 and 2007.

Yehudi Menuhin was an American-born violinist, who became world famous as a child prodigy. In 1963, he set up a school in Piccadilly for musically gifted children and in 1964, the school moved to Cobham, Surrey. The first intake of children was just 15 children and for much of its history, the total number of children has remained low. However, the school has expanded over the decades and pupil numbers presently stand at around eighty with over 70 staff. The ages of the children at the school currently range from 11 to 19.  Fees at the school are around £45,000 per year, and 90% of pupils receive financial support. There is a sister school in China, the Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao. Famous alumni are the violinist, Nigel Kennedy who joined the school in 1964 and Nicola Benedetti, who joined in 1997.

Following dialogue between ourselves, the school and their representatives, the school has agreed to enter discussions about the claims, providing claimants make a formal claim to the school on or before the 30th June 2023.

The school has not made any admission of liability. Having contacted the police after hearing the allegations, the school is also working with former pupils and Surrey Police.

Malcolm Johnson, head of Lime Solicitors’ abuse department represents the 22 former pupils. Malcolm said:

“I’m pleased that the Yehudi Menuhin School have agreed to discuss the claims, and that they are working with us and the police to ensure that these allegations are thoroughly investigated. However, I would urge any other former pupils of the school to contact this firm as soon as possible, and before the cut-off date of the 30th June 2023. After that date, it may well be that we are unable to help you.”

Email Malcolm.Johnson@limesolicitors.co.uk, or call 0207 264 4352.