An independent school in Yeovil that taught children for 169 years has closed permanently, Somerset Live understands.
The Park School, which first opened in 1851 and taught around 250 pupils between the ages of four and 18, was placed into administration last month after the coronavirus outbreak forced it to temporarily shut down and left it with a significant financial shortfall.
The school relocated to the old Chilton Cantelo School site just outside Yeovil in the summer of 2018 - having been situated near the town centre for more than a century.
But the move failed to result in an anticipated increase in pupils and a failure to sell off its old site at its expected value led to the school losing money.
Permission for a loan was reportedly subsequently withdrawn as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, forcing the school to enter administration.
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Administrator Grant Thornton UK LLP was appointed to try to find a buyer - which charged up to £10,500 a year in fees - but their attempts proved unsuccessful and the school was forced to shut.
The school has not issued a public statement following its closure, but Somerset Live has heard from multiple sources that it is no longer open.
All parents and pupils affected by the closure can apply for a school place through Somerset County Council.
A council spokesman said: “We understand that most parents have now found alternative provision and the Local Authority has received a number of applications from parents which are being processed.
"Our education safeguarding service is following up to ensure all children are catered for.
“We would reiterate that parents still seeking a place for their child can apply through the normal process –please call 0300 123 2224 for further information.”
Somerset Live has approached The Park School for comment.
