A private school for girls is set to close in summer as it is 'no longer viable'.

Loreto Preparatory School made the announcement at the end of last week.

The private school for girls, which is divided into a Foundation Stage, an Infant Department and a Junior Department, was established as a part of Loreto Grammar School more than 100 years ago.

It became a separate school around 50 years ago, when it moved to its present site on Dunham Road.

According to a spokesperson for the Loreto Sisters, the trustees of the private school, the coronavirus crisis and the economic climate together with a decline in numbers mean it is 'no longer viable'.

It has around 120 pupils, with one class to each age group, whose parents pay around £2750 per term.

A spokesperson for the Loreto Sisters said: "We, as the trustees and the 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 the school is no longer viable based on a decline in 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."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.