Another prep school has announced plans to close at the end of the academic year as rising operational costs and economic challenges continue to impact on the sector.

Talbot House Preparatory School, in Firs Glen Road, Bournemouth, will close in July following ‘careful consideration of its long-term sustainability’, owner, Mark Broadway, said.

He added: “This is an incredibly sad moment for the entire Talbot House community.

“Despite our best efforts to navigate these financial challenges, we have reached a point where continuing is no longer viable.

“Our focus now is on ensuring a smooth transition for our pupils, families, and staff.”

He added that rising operational costs and economic challenges facing independent schools had placed an unsustainable financial burden on the school.

And he said this made it ‘increasingly difficult’ to provide an education at a competitive price expected by families and staff.

Further details are said to be shared soon regarding support measures for those affected.

Councillor Richard Burton, portfolio holder for children, young people, education and skills at Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, said: “We understand that this announcement may be worrying for children and families at Talbot House.

“Our schools admission team will be able to support the families with any help that they might need in planning their next steps and supporting a smooth transition to a local primary school.

“We are working with the leadership at Talbot House to see how we can support the families affected and are reviewing the situation to consider how to ensure sufficiency of placements for children.”