WHITEFIELD Prep is to close after 63 years because of lack of pupils and cash.

The Church Lane school for three to 11-year-olds will close its doors at the end of term in December.

It was founded in 1936 in nearby Dales Lane by Mrs Olive Roscoe. She decided to set up her own school because, at the time, a married woman could not become teachers.

The 102-year-old still lives at the institution and her son, Julian, took over as principal in 1961.

He said: "There is no hope. People used to put their children's names down at birth or at the age of one or two and I would be certain these people were coming.

"They go for instant education these days and I do not have people down on the books to come here like I used to.

"I just feel I cannot run the business like that as I have staff to pay. Also, the premises are very costly to maintain; it is an old Victorian building and there is always something happening to it which is a drain on the funds."

Letters have been sent to parents of the 34 pupils at the school advising them of the closure. A meeting is also planned.

Mr Roscoe added: "My mother is very disappointed. She taught into her 70s and is still very much involved in the life of the school. However, she can see that running the school as it is is very difficult."

"I am not too sure what the future is for schools like ours. People are looking for a rather 'classy' environment full of computers and lots of space.

"We do have our computers but we will never be like the modern places. I think a lot of parents would like to see us continue but I really do not see that we have a future."

Mr Kevin Skillin's seven-year-old daughter, Sarah, a pupil at the school, was upset when she found out the news.

"Whitefield Prep has been in the local community for more than 60 years and I think it is a jewel in the education system even although it is private. It would be a shame to loose it. We are holding a parents' meeting to see what can be done."

He added: "I think a lot of people do not know how economical it is. We decided to send Sarah there when my wife came to work with me as we found it was cheaper than having a child minder!"

Bridgewater School in Worsley, which has a pick up point in Whitefield, has said it will accommodate some of the pupils and Bury Grammar School will take several.

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