Shocked parents have launched a rescue mission after it was announced that historic private school, S.Anselm’s in Derbyshire, was due to close this summer as a result of the pending tax levy and dwindling admissions.

Governors at the school near Bakewell concluded that the school was ‘unsustainable’ following the Government’s announcement of plans to introduce VAT on private school fees and the increase in National Insurance contributions from employers.

Opened by Cambridge graduate and naturalist, Storrs Fox, in 1888, the school is a day and boarding school providing education for boys and girls from three-13 years.

But, over recent years, pupil numbers are said to have declined and the school has been operating at a financial loss.

In a letter to parents, chairman of governors, Paul Houghton, said they were entering into a period of consultation with staff on the planned closure, adding: “[With} the substantial recent government taxation pressures on all independent schools – the addition of VAT on school fees, having to pay increased National Insurance contributions, and the removal of business rates relief for independent schools – it is now unsustainable to keep the school open.

“Our priority now, as we process this news, is the wellbeing of our pupils, you as their families, and all our incredible teaching staff teams.”

However, on the school’s website, it is revealed that parents are planning a rescue mission in a last-ditched effort to save the school.

The message reads: “As many of you will have now heard, it was announced earlier this week that S.Anselm’s was closing.

“Following that update on Monday, a team of parents have formulated a group to explore opportunities to secure the school’s future, to include potential partnership and/or cooperative routes.

“Thank you advance. We are incredibly humbled by the support from near and far, young and old, that we have received to date.”