A school's 84-year history is to come to a sad end as it closes at the end of this academic year.

For more than three quarters of a century Innellan House School has been at the heart of the village providing a grounding for young children.

But the prep school which caters for two to seven year old's has had to admit defeat after numbers took a dive this year.

It will now close its school gates in Love Lane, Pinner, for good on July 27.

Although headteacher Jenny Watkins implemented some changes when she arrived at the school five years ago, numbers have still been going down.

Ms Watkins said: "Although a few changes have been made to boost numbers it has become difficult to compete.

"Also, a lot of children sent here have brothers or sisters elsewhere so parents limit the school runs by putting them in the same school.

"When we heard the announcement it was a very sad day for everyone.

"Even though we knew the decision was inevitable it was devastating because the school is like a big family."

She added: "The school is absolutely delightful, very close-knit and everyone enjoys coming to school here, children and staff.

"So we are all very sad to see it come to an end."

In previous years the school, which is based in a house, had as many as 75 pupils on its books at any given time, but this year it started with just 25.

It was founded by Bertha Mary Schooling at her home at 155 Northumberland Road, North Harrow, in 1934 before moving to 44 Love Lane, Pinner in 1949, taking over the former Morningside School.

The school has long had ties with prestigious schools in and around the area including St Martins, Haberdashers, Egerton Rothsay, St Helen's, Northwood College, Royal Masonic, Rickmansworth, and Heathfield.

Since the announcement was made, Ms Watkins has ensured all pupils at the school have been given placements elsewhere and is also trying to find new jobs for the 12 members of staff.