A 160-year-old private school in Oxfordshire has announced it is closing with immediate effect.

Governors at Our Lady's Abingdon (OLA) say extensive talks took place with other schools and organisations, with the hope of securing a merger or acquisition but talks broke down.

The school says it has been under economic pressure citing the introduction of VAT on school fees, and rising operational costs as two of the reasons.

A spokesperson for the school said its immediate focus will be on supporting families in securing alternative school places, assisting staff through the redundancy process, and helping them find new employment.

A statement read: "It is with our deepest regret that we inform our parents, students, staff, and local community that the Governors have taken the heartbreak

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