A primary school with only 18 pupils is set to close.

Holy Cross Church of England Primary School in Uckfield previously requested to close citing “extremely low pupil numbers” and difficulties recruiting teachers.

Now, with the school shutting its doors in December, parents have expressed concern about where their children will end up in the next school year.

One concerned parent said: “The school has been there for 72 years but now it only has 18 children.

“There’s no space in other schools to take them in, it’s quite stressful.

“My son has been there since reception and I am concerned he won’t have a school place come December.”

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The school's interim executive board (IEB) wrote to the Education Secretary in March requesting to close it as it believed this was in the best interest of the children.

It will not shut before December and East Sussex County Counil said it will support families to find alternative schools for their children.

A council spokeswoman said: “Requesting the closure of a school is not a decision any governing body takes lightly, but it is vital that every child in East Sussex is given the best possible education and can reach their full potential.

“Extremely low pupil numbers, along with difficulties faced in recruiting leaders and teachers, has had a significant impact on the school. The IEB believes the school no longer has a viable future and cannot provide the high-quality education that we all expect for our children.

“The Secretary of State acknowledged the IEB’s view that closure of the school is in the best interests of the children and wider community. She has advised East Sussex County Council to follow the statutory closure process and this will now be taken forward so that the school community has the opportunity to have their say through a consultation process.

"We will also support any families of the remaining pupils who want to identify an alternative school before that time.

Wealden MP Nus Ghani added that she was disappointed to hear about the closure, adding: "It is always sad to see a local school close, especially one with such a long and rich history and strong local presence."