HEMDEAN House School is looking at closing its senior school after a drop in pupil numbers led to financial difficulties.

The independent Caversham school said the measure was a "last resort" but would not affect children in the nursery, infant or junior departments.

In a letter sent out to parents it was said that teaching could cease for those in senior years from August 31 this year.

According to the latest report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate last December there were a total of 136 pupils aged between 3 and 16 studying there.

A Chronicle reader who wrote in anonymously said: "Bad news for current senior school pupils especially those in Y10. Very sad news as it is a wonderful small school with excellent teachers, results and pastoral care."

The proposal was formally launched to staff on April 13 and will close to comments on April 28.

The school's governors have said they remain open to "all views" put forward during the consultation.

A statement released on behalf of the Hemdean Road School said: "Following a review of enrolment numbers and the finances at Hemdean House School, Reading, the Board of Governors have taken the difficult decision to consult with the Senior School teaching staff on an option to cease operating a Senior School from 31st August 2016.

"We would like to clarify that this is a decision to consult with regard to the Senior School only and will have no effect on the Nursery, Infant and Junior departments which will continue as usual in September 2016.

"We know that this decision to consult is difficult news for many staff, parents, and the wider school community.

"This has not been an easy decision for the Board of Governors to take, indeed this was an option of last resort."

Hemdean House was first founded more than 150 years ago and currently takes on boys from 3 to 11 years old and girls until the age of 16.

Do you have a child at the school? What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments or email news@readingchronicle.co.uk