THE board of trustees of Dormer House School in Moreton-in-Marsh, have announced the 'very difficult decision' to propose the closure of the school at the end of the summer term, July 2019.

A statement released by the school's board of trustees has blamed the decline in pupil numbers and economic uncertainty for the decision to propose closure of a "unique and special school".

The small, independent, co-educational school has been in the town since 1875, and its aim was to give children a liberal education through a wide curriculum based on the philosophy of Charlotte Mason - the founder of the Parents' National Education Union (PNEU).

The High Street-based, that welcome children from the age of two up to 11-years-old, has been one of the few remaining Parents' National Education Union schools in the UK.

The school board's statement, released on its website, said: "Dormer House School has been a proud and prominent member of the Moreton community.

"Consistently maintaining a reputation for exceptional pastoral care and personal development from nursery through to year six, Dormer House has often been hailed by specialists as a shining example of both educational achievement and pastoral innovation, with alumni going on to a wide variety of senior schools throughout the region, into higher education, and ultimately highly successful careers.

"In recent years, however, the school has witnessed a steady decline in pupil intake.

"By implementing a number of initiatives and acquiring additional funding from a local benefactor, the school has remained open, and its pupils have continued to thrive.

"Even when facing challenges, Dormer House School has held fast to its core values, raising standards in all areas of learning through outstanding teaching and as a result has continued to secure a wide range of academic and arts awards.

"Nevertheless, the falling pupil numbers and current economic uncertainty have taken their toll, forcing the school to accept that despite its best efforts, this unique and special school may well face closure at the end of this academic year."

The trust will now enter into a 30 day consultation about this proposal with the staff and parents.

One parent wrote that the announcement was "sad news".

"This is a little gem. Outstanding academic results and the most lovely, polite children - I wish them all the very best," they added.