An independent school in Penzance is set to close next summer as a result of dwindling class sizes.

The GEMS Bolitho School has announced its intention to shut its doors at the end of the summer term, in July 2015.

GEMS (Global Education Management Systems) Education, which took over the running of the school in 2010, said that despite “significant efforts and investment”, average school class sizes had fallen from 20 in January 2006 to single figures (an average of 9.7) by October this year.

This meant that the school could no longer remain a successful and viable learning establishment.

The company said that as a result of smaller class sizes, GEMS Education could not offer the range and breadth of experiences that were “crucial” for pupils at the school.

In the prep years there are only seven students in total, across the first three years, while in years ten and 12 the school is unable to offer appropriate subject choice. For instance, the school is unable to offer some subjects, such as German, as they currently have little or no take up, and it cannot offer drama, as only one pupil wishes to study the subject.

Under current circumstances, GEMS Education said it would not be able to avoid placing children in a mixed ability environment for much longer. The school would be unable to differentiate by ability in some classes because of low numbers, which is contrary to the ethos of GEMS Education.

Staff and parents were informed of the intention to close the school yesterday afternoon. Initial meetings with parents and staff have been held and parent meetings will also be held today and next week. Arrangements will be put in place for further opportunities for staff and parents to meet with GEMS Education beyond these times.

There will now be a consultation period until January 30, as required by law, to enter into discussions with affected staff to try and find a way to reduce redundancies and to allow any potential investors to show an interest.

Martin Clark, regional director of schools for GEMS UK and Europe, said: “Our first priority remains the education, well-being and welfare of all our pupils and staff.

“We are committed to supporting pupils, their families and staff at this difficult time. Our focus will be on managing the transition of pupils’ education to a new school, giving those children who will shortly be sitting exams support, and, wherever possible, minimising redundancies.

“We understand this decision will be upsetting for parents, pupils and staff, particularly at this time of year. However, we wanted to let parents, pupils and staff know as soon as possible, so they have the maximum time to plan for the future.

“This decision has been taken only after a robust and comprehensive assessment of the available options and has been arrived at with much regret.”

GEMS Education, an international education company based in Dubai, took over the school in January 2010 when it was in receivership, at a time when pupil numbers were already in decline.

The company said that since taking over the school it had paid off the school’s debts and made “significant investment” including in facilities such as a brand new prep school building and sixth form centre.

With the “tireless support” of parents, pupils and staff, GEMS Education had also improved inspection results. However, despite these significant efforts and investment it had not been possible to stop the decline in pupil numbers.

In January 2006 there were more than 300 pupils in the school. This decline has continued, resulting in a pupil count of 178 in October 2014. This drop accounts for more than a third of the school’s total headcount.

GEMS Education said that the fall had been due to “challenging local economic conditions”, exacerbated by the Royal Navy’s decision to cease funding school places, which alone had accounted for the loss of more than 40 pupils, as pupils whose families are stationed at the RNAS Culdrose base could no longer attend the school on funded places.