A failing private school in Kingsbury is to close its doors for good in July due to “financial reasons”.

Gower House School, an independent primary in Blackbird Hill, is being sold to an undisclosed source at the end of the summer term.

Approximately 30 staff and 137 pupils have been notified by letter ahead of the start of term tomorrow.

The Times revealed last year that its former headmaster Martyn Keane avoided jail after he admitting assaulting a 10-year-old pupil.

Following the incident at the school, which charges more than £2,000 per term, education watchdog Ofsted carried out an emergency inspection resulting in a damning report.

The school, which opened in 1951, was deemed as inadequate by Ofsted in a report published last month following an inspection in January.

Michelle Fennelly, the school manager, said: “The school is closing on July 16 due to financial reasons but I cannot disclose who it is being sold to.

“It doesn’t have anything to do with the previous matter with the headteacher.”

She added: “Numbers have dropped over recent years so it’s no longer viable to run the school.

“We are not the only school in this predicament. It’s a difficult time for a lot of independent schools; parents are opting for their local government school rather than coming to the independent sector.”

The parents of the 137 pupils currently enrolled at the school will have to make alternative arrangements for their children.

Mrs Fennelly added: “We’ve sent a letter to parents saying the show must go on for this final term to make sure it’s an enjoyable one for the children.

“It’s going to be a tricky time for them at this time of transition but we’ll do everything we can to support the children.”

She added: “It’s very sad, it’s a shame. The school is a big part of the community.”