A PRIVATE school that has served Whitchurch since the end of the Second World War is to close permanently next month, the head has confirmed.

The White House School is to close its doors for the final time at the end of spring term on March 31.

Headteacher Helen Clarke said the decision followed financial pressures, exacerbated by Covid-19, which will impact school budgets and future expenditure expectations.

Parents have been informed of the independent school's closure.

The school has served the town for 76 years.

Mrs Clarke said: "It is with huge regret that The White House School will have to close because it is no longer financially sustainable.

"We look forward to the opportunity of finishing the 76 year life span of The White House School with dignity and by celebrating all the many things that have been achieved by our very special school over the years.

"The White House has been open since 1945 and has been a proud mainstay of education within Whitchurch and the surrounding community for decades."

A report from Ofsted in January criticised the school following a visit in November, highlighting issues with the multiple roles held by the head, which is said was impacting on its strategic direction.

Ofsted said: "The headteacher is also the proprietor of the school.

"The school does not have a governing body.

"The strategic vision and direction of the school are set by the headteacher alone.

"She is aware of the weaknesses in the school, but lacks the capacity to make improvements.

"This is because she holds multiple roles with the school that take up a considerable amount of her time."

Before this Osted report, the school had received good reports in its three previous inspections.

The school was founded by Catherine Greaves, after an influx of evacuated children from Liverpool during the Second World War.

It was first situated on Claypit Street before moving to Heath Hall in 1991 under the leadership of the then headteacher, Enid Hall.

Former headteachers of the school include the former Whitchurch mayor, Alderman Frank Greaves.