An independent school for pupils with learning difficulties is to close blaming serious financial problems caused by the recession.

Stowford College in Sutton will close at the end of July this year after bosses claimed significant financial losses left them with “no alternative”.

The mainstream secondary school - which supports children with autistic spectrum disorders - opened in 1975 and has been part of the Eagle House Group since 2008.

Chief executive of Croydon based Eagle House Group Paul Conrathe said the closure would result in some redundancies among the 26 staff members.

A Stowford College teacher, who did not want to be named said: “There are lots of rumours flying around the school but we haven't been told what is happening.

“It's a fantastic school and is full of the most motivated, happy and joyful staff. None of us can really understand why the school is closing.”

Some students from Stowford College - including all children who have begun GCSE courses - will be able to transfer to sister school Eagle House School, which will undergo an expansion.

A parent liaison team will help parents find suitable places for their children at other schools.

Mr Conrathe said: “We are very sad to announce the closure of Stowford College, but unfortunately the school’s significant financial losses have left us with no alternative.

“Unfortunately, like other independent school providers, we have been adversely affected by the international recession as parents find it difficult to afford school fees in the current economic climate.

“As a result, despite the improvements made, we have been unable to reverse a trend of falling pupil numbers at Stowford College that has existed over several years.”

A consultation process with staff will commence in due course.

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