Oasis Academy Hextable will close next year, it has been announced.

A statement on the school's website says no pupils will be admitted in September with students, with the exception of current year 10 and 12 learners, transferring to nearby schools.

Then the Egerton Avenue academy will shut for good at the end of the academic term in 2016. Staff at the school will be moved to other jobs where possible.

Parents have been informed and are expecting letters from Kent County Council offering their children places at other schools.

Bosses say the decision was made on falling student numbers, which sets the level of funding schools receive.

A spokesperson for Oasis Community Learning said: "This decision has been carefully considered and made with a heavy heart.

"Oasis became responsible for the academy – previously known as Hextable School – in 2013.

"For a number of years, student numbers have been declining.

"Having reviewed projected numbers with Kent County Council – which captures the number of children likely to start secondary school in forthcoming years – this trend looks set to continue.

"Even though numbers would begin to rise again slightly in future years, by 2018 the academy would still be operating only at half its capacity."

"Even though numbers would begin to rise again slightly in future years, by 2018 the academy would still be operating only at half its capacity" - Oasis statement

"At Oasis we believe that every young person – regardless of their starting point in life – deserves the best possible education.

"Having considered this matter in great depth, we believe it would be better to ensure students find this elsewhere rather than attempt to deliver something which would fall below the high standards that our young people deserve.

"We are working closely with parents and Kent County Council to ensure this process is as seamless as possible.

"Making this decision has been one of the most difficult in the history of Oasis, and it is the first time we have closed an academy.

"We intend to celebrate the school’s heritage and important contribution to its local community over the past 40 Years."