Alton School in Hampshire has advised its pupils’ parents that the school will close in the summer.

Alton School is an independent Catholic day school for boys and girls from six months to 18 years, with approximately 450 pupils of all faiths.

A statement on the school’s website read: “With deep regret the Trustees announce it is proposed that Alton School should close at the end of this academic year and the school shall not be re-opening in September 2024. The nursery should also close on 31 August 2024.

“Our community has served Alton and the surrounding area since 1938 and it is with deep sadness that we may be unable to continue providing this education in the future. Alton School has always had an outstanding reputation for its strong pastoral care and has much to celebrate in its long history, having educated so many young people.

“This proposal is based on a continued decline in pupil numbers, to the extent that the school has now become unviable. This is due to a combination of adverse political and economic factors.

“The school will be doing all it can to support our staff, parents, and pupils at this difficult time.”