A private school will close next week after insurers were not found to keep the school open.

Rudolf Steiner School in Kings Langley hoped to remain open for the new term but in a letter today, trustees of the school announced this would not be possible.

The school had been threatened with closure for more than a year after a number of Ofsted inspections found pupils were “at risk”.

A spokesman for the school said: “We are very sorry to have announced to the school community today that we will be closing at the end of this term. This is because we have been unable to secure insurance beyond this term, and without that we are unable to operate.

“We understand this is a difficult outcome and have communicated it as soon as possible so that parents and staff are able to make alternative plans for September as quickly as possible. We will provide all support possible in this, of course, including exploring whether we can offer support for the various home school initiatives from September.

"Financing options in order to secure the site for the future are also being looked into.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank so many people who have given much support to the school, and who have been so patient as we have sought to keep the school open through this uncertain time. We recognise and appreciate their generosity and kindness.”

In a letter to parents, the school said it was not "viable" to self-insure after potential insurers for the school stepped back. Consequently the school decided it was "untenable" to prepare for an autumn term and as such have voted to close the school on completion of the summer term next week.

It was in December 2016 that Rudolf Steiner School Kings Langley (RSSKL) was first told by Ofsted inspectors that it had serious problems with safeguarding of students.

The body have since visited the school four times, failing in a number of categories on three occasions. The school was also threatened with closure by the government.