A school which teaches and cares for deaf children and young people with learning difficulties faces closure, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.

The John Townsend Trust, which operates the Royal School for Deaf Children in Margate, was placed in administration today while a review of its financial position is carried out.

The non-maintained school, which was established in 1792, looks after up to 55 young people with emotional and behavioural communication difficulties.

It will remain open at least until the end of term but administrators said 120 staff had been made redundant with immediate effect.

The trust had operated through trading difficulties for more than a year, as management tried to maintain services at the school and associated Westgate College.

"Unless a long term funding solution can be found that we shall have to focus on achieving the carefully planned closure of the school..." - Geoff Rowley, administrator

The college, which offers educational services to young adults, is to close at the end of the current term.

The Care Quality Commission had already placed limits on its services in November while it carries out a review.

Administrators said recent restructuring efforts had been unable to stem the “unsustainable pressure” on the trust’s cash-flow.

The trust and its enterprises will continue to trade under the control of administrators.

Monkshill Farm, a popular family attraction near Faversham, was closed by the trust last month after it cited a “difficult financial situation”.

Administrators are now liaising with around 120 families of children and about 500 staff, as well as Kent County Council, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission.

The trust also operates four charity shops in Herne Bay, Birchington, Ramsgate and Margate.

Geoff Rowley, partner at FRP Advisory and joint administrator, said that unless a long term funding solution can be found “we shall have to focus on achieving the carefully planned closure of the school and associated services”.

He said: “In the meantime we shall explore all available opportunities to secure long term funding.

“Our initial priority is the on-going provision of core services and care and the well-being of all of the John Townsend Trust’s pupils and residents, their families and all those who access its carefully delivered education and specialist support services.”