Governors at the Lafford High School, Billinghay have 'reluctantly' decided to start a phased closure of the school after Lincolnshire County Council said it is unviable.

The school, which is federated with St George's College of Technology, Sleaford, only attracted 27 pupils in its new intake this year and only 19 have indicated the Lafford as their first preference this September.

The school currently has about 250 on roll but can take 400.

Despite having low numbers, Lafford High has made significant improvements over the last three years which were recognised by Ofsted and in last year's Key Stage 3 results.

The school is set to close in 2010.

Parents are invited to a meeting tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss the school’s future plans.

Chairman of governors Derek Daniels said: “The fall in numbers means a full curriculum cannot be provided at the school. The governing body has been in lengthy discussions with the local authority. At the last meeting we made the hard decision to close the school.”

He added: “All the staff at the school do a superb job and can do no better.”

The school was originally planned to become part of the new Sleaford Academy but Lincolnshire County Council said it was too small to be included.

l A meeting for parents will be held tomorrow (Thursday) in the school hall at 6pm.