A PRIVATE prep school will close its doors for good next month amid mounting economic pressure.

Rapidly rising costs and low pupils numbers have forced bosses to close Deepdene School, Hove for good on April 1.

The prep school for boys and girls aged six months to 11 years, faces "no alternative" but to shut and apologised for giving parents just three weeks' notice.

In a letter to parents, a spokesman from the school said: "It is with a heavy heart, and much sadness, that we have decided that we have no option but to close Deepdene School (permanently) on April 1 at 12 noon the end of this term.

"Despite our best efforts and the support provided by Roedean over a number of years, the sad truth is that our pupil numbers have not recovered in a way that makes our wonderful school sustainable into the future, "The challenges associated with the pandemic and rapidly rising costs both now add to the pressures we have faced from 2017 onwards.

"Added to this, as we are sure you are all aware, the building also needs considerable investment. Another cost we could not meet.

"We are devastated to be sharing this news with you, and especially doing so at such short notice. We know many of you will be anxious about the future education of your children, and we are committed to doing what we can do to support you in the process of finding new nurseries and schools."

Deepdene, in New Church Road, Hove, enjoyed strong and established links with Roedean School and also shares Roedean’s ethos.

Interim chairwoman of the school's council, Vivien Smiley said: “We are sad to hear that despite best efforts to find an alternative solution, Deepdene’s proprietors have decided they have no option but to close the school from April 1.

"Our thoughts are with the staff, parents and pupils of Deepdene during what will undoubtedly be a difficult time.

“Over the next few weeks we remain available to provide support and advice to the Deepdene community to help minimise the disruption to them.

"In particular, Roedean has provided support to the end of the Easter term 2022 to prevent the interruption to pupils’ education mid-term and to ensure that teachers’ salaries can be paid this month.”