Bicker Preparatory School and Early Years a primary co-educational school for pupils aged three to nine located in the village of Bicker Bar in Lincolnshire closed this week.

The school was set up in 1994 by its founding principal, Sheila Page, whose son Reuben and daughter-in-law, Helen, are both managing partners of the school.

On its Facebook page the school stated: “It is with great sadness and an extremely heavy heart that Tuesday July 18 will be our final day at Bicker Preparatory School and Early Years.

“The decision to close our wonderful school has not been entered into lightly and has been both incredibly difficult and heart-breaking for us all.”

“We would therefore like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our loyal parents, staff and our incredible pupils for making this term such a positive and memorable time for us all. We would also like to extend our thanks and best wishes to our amazing PTFA and to all of our past pupils, families and staff.

“Finally, we would also like to extend our sincerest thanks to the wider Bicker community and to the staff and volunteers at St Swithun’s Church, Bicker Village Hall, the Methodist Chapel and Bicker Parish Council for all their support and amity over the years.”