Loreto Preparatory School in Altricham, Greater Manchester, is to close at the end of the academic year, the Manchester Evening News has reported.

Loreto Preparatory School is an independent Catholic primary school for 120 girls aged from three to 11.

The trustees said they were facing “unprecedented financial challenges”, which coupled with a decline in student numbers, meant the school was no longer financially viable.

In a statement the school said: “We, as Trustees and Proprietor of Loreto Preparatory School, are all extremely saddened and upset at having had to make this tough decision to close our wonderful school at the end of this academic year.

“The school is facing unprecedented financial challenges which is due in part to the impact of the pandemic and the current economic climate, and following external advice, we have determined that the school is no longer viable, based on the decline in student numbers.

“Our priority now is to support our pupils, their families and our colleagues over the next few weeks and months, to make sure that they are looked after as best we can during this unsettling period.”