THERE is hope a historic private school can be saved with the impending sale of the site.

Roedean Moira House in Upper Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, announced in March it would be forced to shut for good due to “financial losses that we cannot sustain”.

But headmaster Andrew Wood has revealed this week that “discussions with an interested party are well advanced” regarding the sale of the school.

The institution was acquired by the Roedean group of schools in 2017.

This also runs the £40,000-a-year private girls’ school Roedean in Brighton (below).

The Argus:

Andrew Pianca, chairman of governors at Roedean Moira House, said the Eastbourne school would be closing at the end of the current academic year, leaving its 312 pupils looking for somewhere new.

It has been running for more than 130 years and costs £11,530-a-term for Year 13 pupils who are full boarding.

In a statement, the institution said “everyone has been committed to developing the provision and providing an outstanding education for the girls” and “we have seen great improvements in the facilities, additional co-curricular opportunity and excellent academic results”.

But it said it was “difficult to sustain the school with declining numbers”.

However, a potential new buyer means it is likely the school will be able to remain open and continue its rich history.

A statement from Roedean Moira House said: “Andrew Wood, the headmaster of Roedean Moira House, is pleased to confirm that discussions are now taking place with an interested party regarding the possible purchase of the school and site.

The Argus:

“Although discussions are well advanced there is not a sale yet.

“However, we are hopeful that the school can be saved and sold over the summer holidays as a going concern.

“If successful, Moira House will be independent from any other school.

“Roedean Council has approved the outline offer and the chairman of the Moira House Board is now working with advisers.”

This comes after a representative for the school revealed in March that it had received several bids from investors. These were “pursued as far as possible” but the school said they did not lead to “a solution that we are able to accept”.

The school is set within 15 acres of grounds. Fees range from £3,225-a-term for reception age children who are not boarding at the school, up to £11,530-a-term for boarding Year 13 pupils.