A POPULAR rural school which was saved from closure a year ago has lost its battle to stay open.

Rock Hall School, near Alnwick in Northumberland, was initially being shut down at the end of July 2012 due to rising costs, falling pupil numbers and red tape.

But a successful six-week campaign by parents saved the last remaining independent school between Newcastle and Berwick.

Now a year later, falling pupil numbers have again forced governors and the two headteachers to announce it will close at the end of the summer term.

The announcement, made to parents this week, will see 15 staff members made redundant.

Co-headteacher Lalage Bosanquet, who started the school in a shed in her back garden nearly 30 years ago, said the decision had not been taken lightly.

She said: “It is with great sadness that the governing body announce that Rock Hall School will close at the end of the Summer Term 2013.

“The school was threatened with closure last year, but a determined group of parents made a valiant effort to save it.

“We would like to thank all the parents both past and present who have fought so hard for us.

“However, we continue to lose pupils and must all now accept that the economic and educational environments have changed out of all recognition and our small school is no longer financially viable.

“The school will stay open until July. We will enjoy a final term and celebrate what has been a very special place for so many people for almost 30 years.”

The school was first threatened with closure at the end of the summer term 2012, with 50 children forced to find another school for the beginning of the next academic year.

But parents launched the Save Our School in Six Weeks campaign and worked hard to bring new pupils to the school.

For a year it looked like the campaign may have worked, but the continuing decline in pupil numbers and rising costs have forced it to close.

Parent Lucia Bridgeman, who has four children at the school, said: “We have been so happy having our four children at Rock. They have had so many wonderful opportunities, including outdoor activities, drama productions and school trips. It has been a great place, and we’re so grateful to all the teachers and staff for everything they have done.”

The school, which has taught more than 300 children, initially started with only three pupils. By 1992, it was bursting at the seams and was forced to move into a former youth hostel and manor house in Rock village, where it remains.