PARENTS of children at a £5,360-a-year Winchester private school have spoken of their sadness and shock at the news it is to close.

Nethercliffe School in Hatherley Road, Fulflood will close its doors for the last time on July 14 because of rising costs and falling pupil numbers.

The announcement was included in letters to parents issued later on the day that head teacher Gordon Whitfield denied the closure when approached by the Daily Echo.

Danny Habel, owner of Habels furniture store, who has a child at Nethercliffe, said: "There was initial shock.

"My impression is people are now desperately trying to find somewhere for their child to go. Some people have been told by state schools that there are no spaces."

Sian Johnston, a mother with two children at the school, said: "It's tremendously sad and came as a shock. There are now 130 children looking for places in other schools so we will have a bit of a competitive problem."

One parent, who asked not to be named, said: "Everyone is very disappointed and there is a feeling we could have been given slightly more notice. We now have to act on this very quickly."

Another parent, who also asked not to be named, simply said: "We are devastated."

Private and state schools in the area are likely to be flooded with interest but many are full to capacity in most year groups.

Nearby Western Primary School is full in reception class and Year 2 and 6. Head teacher Lorraine Smith said: "If parents are interested and want to come and have a look round it would depend on how old the children are."

Maggie Hastie, head teacher of Weeke Primary School, said: "I feel desperately sorry for the parents. We have been contacted by several parents from Nethercliffe.

"I have explained our hands are tied by the county council admissions policy. We are full, with waiting lists for five of our seven years."