Parents and staff at a Shropshire school threatened with the axe due to falling pupil numbers are set to launch a last-ditch bid to keep it open.

Deborah Kane, headteacher of charity-funded Dower House, in Quatt, near Bridgnorth, said everyone had pledged to pull together to stop it from shutting at the end of the academic year.

She said parents, staff and trustees were looking to launch a fundraising campaign to keep the school operating and at the same time attempt to promote the facilities to potential new pupils.

“It is a lovely school and everyone is very sad,” she said.

“We have a great team of highly-committed staff and parents so hopefully we will be able to continue operating as a school.

“It is definitely not the end – this is a rallying call to save our school and we hope it will be successful,” said Mrs Kane.

Trustees of the private charity-operated school wrote to parents of the 45 pupils to inform them that it may have to close unless extra revenue can be raised or more pupils attracted.

The effects of the recession have been blamed for the financial crisis.

Mrs Kane added: “It is very difficult in the current economic climate. School fees are one of the first things to go when people are tightening their belts.”