After this period, the College changed its emphasis, moving away from a strong educational ethos with a foundation in Catholic Social Teaching.
Thereafter, following a controversial period, it closed in July 2005 following a negative report from the Adult Learning Inspectorate[10] released in November 2004 and the resignation of its principal, Robert Beckinsale, amid recriminations and allegations of scandal.
The trustees announced that the decision to close had been taken because "acceptably high standards of education can no longer be assured at Plater".
[11] The college's 2.67-acre (0.0108 km2) campus in Pullens Lane, one of the most exclusive residential areas of Headington, was sold a year later to EF Language Schools for £5.6 million.
[12] Proceeds from the sale were used to establish the Charles Plater Trust, which uses the income from the fund to make charitable grants for the advancement of education consistent with Catholic social teaching.