PARENTS at a Wirral school set for closure say they are considering legal action in a bid to halt the decision.

Oxton-based Redcourt St Anselm's Preparatory School told shocked parents that it would not remain open after December 31, during a meeting in May.

Financial difficulties were cited by Redcourt as the main reason for the closure.

Parents had accused the school's trust of making no attempts to save the school and claimed it was in breach of their charitable objectives.

They claim repeated requests for the trust to provide evidence of attempts to save the school have been rejected.

The parents also intend to submit a bid for £500,000 to purchase the site with the aim of keeping the school open.

Their allegations have been 'strongly denied' by the trust.

Roisin Maguire, director of the English Schools Office for the Trust, told the Globe: "The Trust has engaged with parents on numerous occasions.

"It is clear that this matter is upsetting for parents and pupils alike.

"Sadly, Redcourt is simply no longer viable as an independent preparatory school.

"That has always been the reason for closure.

"We have made this plain to the parent group, which they have found difficult to accept.

"Nothing has changed this position including the proposal, which they put forward.

"This has been a very difficult time for all involved and the Trust has approached this process in a professional manner respecting all involved and managing expectations throughout.

"Any allegation to the contrary is strongly denied.

"The Trustees have taken comfort in knowing that the vast majority of pupils have arranged new placements at independent schools to start in September 2019.

"We wish all pupils well and the very best for their futures.

"The Trust has nothing further to add regarding this matter and will continue to support pupils, families and staff during this difficult time."

In their statement, the parents said: "We don't believe the trust is acting in good faith, they have made no attempts to save the school and simply wish to sell the site for profit.

"They have put their own needs before that of a whole school of children, parents and teachers.

"They should be ashamed of themselves.

"This closure is a great loss to the whole area as well as the children, parents, and staff of Redcourt.

"All that history and community will be lost forever.

"I don't know how they can sleep at night".