The Canterbury Steiner School in Chartham is set to close after running into financial difficulties.

In a closure notice, school leader Tessa Carias said existing pupils would continue to be educated until the end of the autumn term at Christmas.

In June, it emerged that a mystery investor had come forward with funds to maintain the unique style of education the school provides.

But just six weeks later, the school has announced it can no longer continue, bringing an end to its 41-year life.

Steiner schools teach their own curriculum, putting equal focus on the emotional and intellectual development of their students.

Pupil numbers in Canterbury have tumbled from 130 to 90 since 2013, increasing the financial pressure on the £2,856-a-term school.

It left bosses considering its future back in March, with one of the options on the table becoming the first free school in Canterbury.

Ms Carias said: "We are very sad to announce that Canterbury Steiner School is closing in December 2017.

"Although attempts have been made to continue the Steiner/Waldorf education we offer, we can no longer financially sustain the school on the present site."

Children who attend Steiner Schools undergo the educational system of Rudolf Steiner -whose philosophy emphasises the role of imagination and the practical, and artistic development of pupils.

"Although attempts have been made to continue the Steiner/Waldorf education we offer, we can no longer financially sustain the school on the present site."

Ms Carias went on: "The school has provided and continues to provide a nourishing and inspiring education and we would like to extend our thanks to the many parents, teachers ex-pupils, families and friends who have so wholeheartedly supported the school over the past 41 years.

"For all the children who have benefited from being here and forged lifelong links with our school community, this news will no doubt be met with shock and sadness, which are shared by us all.

"We sincerely hope that it becomes possible for Steiner education to continue in some future form in Kent."