Three detained by police amid concerns over urban explorers near former exclusive school near Sheffield
School closed a year ago and concerns have been raised over intruders on the site
Three people have been detained by police, amid concerns over ‘urban explorers’ near a former exclusive school near Sheffield.
Derbyshire Constabulary said they detained the suspects after a reported break-in at the former Mount St Mary’s College, in Spinkhill, a small village just outside Eckington, in north Derbyshire.
The school, which dates back nearly 200 years, closed a year ago.
Officers had already been on patrol in the area when a report of a break-in came in, said Derbyshire Constabulary in a statement.
They said: “Officers made a prompt response, and PC Hempsey subsequently detained three individuals for a Section One of PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence) stop search.
“We are aware that the site has been circulating social media, with people encouraging others to visit and explore the building due to it's history and background.
”Please be aware this is private property.
“Anyone entering the site without the landowner's permission is trespassing and may also be putting themselves at significant risk.
“The building and surrounding grounds are not a public attraction. Derelict and unoccupied buildings can contain unstable structures, broken glass, exposed flooring, hazardous materials and other unseen dangers.
“We would ask parents and guardians to speak to young people about the risks associated with entering sites such as this.”
They are asking anyone who sees suspicious activity at the site to report it to them rather than approaching those involved themselves.
Mount St Mary’s College announced in July 2025 that it was entering administration after 183 years as a school.
The independent Catholic institute said at the time that despite “generous loans” worth £3m in recent years, it has “no realistic path” to solve its debt problems and must shut immediately.
The school was established by the Jesuits in the village of Spinkhill, just outside Sheffield, in 1842 and attracted pupils from all over the world to its site, which includes a grade II listed building.
The site is being marketed by estate agents.