Public meeting organised in a bid to save St Bees School

"We are very sad to hear of the impending closure of St Bees School. It has a long and distinguished history of providing education in west Cumbria – and has close links with the Church. The Bishop of Carlisle, who is away on sabbatical at the moment, is one of the Governors, and the Vicar at St Bees is also the chaplain at the school.

"The school has over the years educated the children of many church people, including the children of clergy, and all that it has offered has been greatly appreciated.

"We want to pay particular tribute to the Headmaster, Mr James Davies, and the all the staff – teaching and non-teaching – for their work. The Headmaster especially has worked tirelessly to turn the school around, and had made great strides.

"Sadly the background of comparatively small numbers in the wider and local catchment areas, hard pressed family finances, and a complex global situation making it difficult to recruit international boarders, all mean that the school has proved in the end not to be financially sustainable.

"We know that the School will do all it can for all those affected by the closure. Many in the county will keep them in their prayers over the coming weeks."