A private school in a Shropshire village has been forced to close with the loss of about 12 jobs after a last-ditch bid to find extra funding failed.

The Dower House School in Quatt, near Bridgnorth, closed its doors on the school’s last day of summer term.

A message on the school’s website says its board had decided to close the school.

Accountants Shipleys have been appointed after the closure decision.

A spokesman said: “We are holding a meeting with shareholders and other interested parties to discuss the liquidation of the company.

“As far as we are concerned we are dealing purely with that, we don’t know what will happen with the premises in the future.”

Headteacher Deborah Kane, speaking before the closure, blamed the recession for a fall in pupil numbers. “Education fees are always one of the first things to be sacrificed when people are tightening their belts.”

The closure on July 9 has meant its 45 pupils have had to find alternative schools.