As reported by the Rasen Mail the newly established Brigg Preparatory School Charitable Foundation is attempting to have the fated school given back to them by the United Church Schools Trust that has given notice of closure in a month's time.


As a plan B a meeting of parents agreed that setting up in a courtyard belonging to Gervase and Clare Elwes, who have a daughter at the school, would be a better solution that transferring children to Hull or Lincoln which is UCST's suggestion.


The group's main priority though is to prove the viability of Brigg Prep continuing and fighting for it to be handed over to the foundation.


Independent educational consultant Ali Khan, of Alpha Schools Ltd, which has taken on a number of similar establishments including St Martin's Prep in Grimsby and turned around their fortunes, wants to establish a partnership with Brigg prep school and current owners UCST have, the Mail understands, agreed to discuss transfer with Mr Khan.


Mr Khan travelled up from London to attend Wednesday's meetings and assured parents that the school was financially viable,.


Phil Eastwood, a spokesman for the parents group, said, "Mr Khan insists that the school is viable with existing pupil numbers.


There are 69 full-time equivalents at the school currently and 70 pupils would be a healthy break-even number. The school currently has a deficit of £17,000 which equates to three more pupils being taken on.


Mr Eastwood said, "Plan B is to relocate the school to Elsham Hall country park. Buildings are available and I have begun discussions with the Estate manager. The owner of Elsham Hall Gervase Elwes has presented the use of the court yard complex as a serious proposition to the parents at the meeting last night. Mr Khan sees this option as being viable - but a more costly option."


"Brigg Prep School is viable. We have independent advisors who can confirm this. If UCST wants to keep the land that they have a mortgage on we are happy to discuss this with them. However, we will continue to question their claim that the school is unviable.


"If UCST cannot make the school breakeven they could transfer it to us, or to Alpha Schools Ltd who can," said Mr Eastwood.


Parents have until December 5 to sign their children up for transfer to Hull Collegiate or Lincoln Minster if they wish to continue with a UCST school.


* In the Rasen Mail on November 19, a letter claiming to be from Mr John Clugston, Chairman of the Governors of Brigg Prep School, was published. Mr Clugston says that this letter was neither from him, nor sent on his behalf and nor was its content true. We apologise for any misunderstanding this has caused.