Downham Market Preparatory School is closing in July

Downham Market Preparatory School has told parents it will shut on July 11, after 40 years of operating in a former rectory at Stow Bardolph, near Downham.

No reason has been given for the closure, which was announced on social media, while a Montessori nursery on the site will be remaining open.

Parents and former pupils spoke of their sadness on the school's Facebook page. Zoe Thompson said: "Such sad news. Downham Prep is such a lovely, friendly school, my two had a wonderful time there."

Downham market Preparatory School founder and principal Elizabeth Laffeaty-Sharpe (Image: Ian Burt)

Sarah Southgate added: "So sad. Cracking little school that helped my son so much - it was the reason I moved here - best decision I ever made."

Cordelia Bainbridge said: "The memories made here will continue to live on forever. Amazing school, best years of my schooling were spent here. Sad to see it close but so thankful for the memories."

READ MORE: Principal cooks for pupils as school stays open in freeze-up

Pupil numbers have fallen from 101 in 2018 to 52 at the school, which charges fees of between £7,800 and £11,820 a year.

Elizabeth Laffeaty-Sharpe pictured with pupils soon after the school opened in 1984 (Image: Submitted)

It was rated 'good' by Ofsted after an inspection in January, although the school has had a troubled relationship with the watchdog.

Principal Elizabeth Laffeaty-Sharpe took legal action after management at the school was rated 'inadequate' in 2017, obtaining an injunction to prevent the report from being published.

She said at the time: "It has taken 10 months and cost us over £100,000 to take our case to court and reach an agreement with Ofsted, to carry out a full re-inspection of the school and nursery."

The following year, inspectors returned and the school was rated 'good'.

Mrs Laffeaty-Sharpe, who founded the school in 1984, has been contacted for comment on the closure.