A HEADTEACHER and her team are planning a celebration of their school before it closes.

Patcham House School in Brighton will shut in July.

Brighton and Hove City Council said there had been “a fall in demand for special school places” and it needed to “make the best use of its money”.

Gayle Adam, who is headteacher at Patcham House School and the Cedar Centre, also in Brighton, said she was sad but wanted to celebrate the good work the school has done over the years.

She said: “I have been extremely privileged to work at and then lead the school for the past 20 years.

“I started as a Key Stage 2 teacher and the school helped me grow, develop and learn.

“It has been a truly unique and fantastic place to work, with a nurturing and family community. The staff have been amazingly dedicated to the pupils and a team in every sense of the word.”

The council proposed closing the school five years ago, but it did not go ahead after staff and parents protested against the plans.

Mrs Adam said: “We knew we were working on borrowed time and we didn’t do anything to try to persuade them to keep the school open this time.”

The Cedar Centre will be merging with Downs View School in Brighton in September.

Mrs Adam said: “I am sad these schools are going, but I wish the new schools and hubs well.

“Now the ship has sailed, we want to celebrate of the school’s life over the years.”

Patcham House has been a school since 1862 and a special school for many years.

The special school originally catered for four to 16- year-olds with physical and neurological impairments but evolved over the years to meet the needs of students with complex needs.

A large majority of these were on the autistic spectrum or had social, emotional and mental health needs.

The school has consistently been judged good or outstanding during inspections.

The celebration event will take place on July 13 from 3pm until 6pm so anyone who wants to can go and say their final goodbyes.

Those who want to attend should contact the school on admin@patchamhouse.brighton-hove.sch.uk or 01273 551028.

People are encouraged to send in their memories of the school, in Old London Road, which the organisers will try to incorporate into the event.

There will be speeches by Mrs Adam, assistant headteacher Jill Moss, the school’s chairman of governors Chris Girvan and a representative from the city council from 5pm until 5.30pm on the day.