MALSIS School is to close at the end of the autumn term.

The independent preparatory and pre-preparatory school at Glusburn had been looking to merge with Giggleswick School.

But, yesterday, the governors announced that the merger talks had ended and the school would close in December.

The move has been blamed on refurbishment costs being significantly higher than anticipated, combined with slower than expected development income coming on stream.

The governors will liaise with Craven District Council over the impact of the news on plans to build 50 homes on two sites within the school grounds, which have already received outline planning permission.

Robert Austin, governor and chairman of the finance committee at Malsis School, said: "Malsis is a school with a fine history and a proud record, so it is with very great regret and sadness that we make this announcement as this means that the school is now faced with closure.

"We would like to thank staff and parents, past and present, and the local community for their help and support over the last few very challenging years."

Heather Hancock, chairman of governors at Giggleswick School added: "We are deeply disappointed that the planned merger between Giggleswick and Malsis cannot proceed.

"In our detailed investigations over the last eight weeks, it has emerged that to revive Malsis, at least £1.5 million of extra cash would be required from Giggleswick. This is on top of the housing development receipts and our initial significant investment plans. These unexpected extra costs mean it is simply too late to deliver a viable turn-around for Malsis.

"We know that the demise of Malsis will cause deep disappointment to pupils, parents and staff who have been so loyal to the school through its recent difficulties.

"We remain convinced that it was right to try to save the school."

South Craven County councillor Philip Barrett said he was shocked and saddened to learn that the school was to close.

"It's been a successful educational establishment for almost 100 years. I'd hoped its future would have been secured with the planned merger with Giggleswick School that was announced several months ago."

While the next steps are finalised, Mark Brotherton will continue as interim headmaster on secondment from his role as head of Giggleswick Junior School. He will work with Malsis governors to help parents place their sons and daughters in new schools and assist the "hard working and dedicated" staff find new posts.