NETHERCLIFFE School in Winchester is to close, a statement from the board of directors said yesterday (Thursday.)

The prep school, in Hatherley Road, Winchester, will close on July 14th, the end of the summer term.

Headmaster Gordon Whitfield cited the fall in numbers and increasing costs of operating an independent school, as the reasons.

"It's a real shame that the school, in its 90th year, finds itself in such a situation," he said.

Parents of current and prospective pupils have been informed.