FRUSTRATED headmaster Tony Partridge has slammed Homefield's receiver after the school's latest rescue bid was torpedoed.

Just days after Bournemouth-based Park School pulled the plug on its plan to open a new school on the Homefield site, a small group of private investors approached the head with a new rescue package.

But yesterday their representative, Michael Williams, revealed how the group's plan to pay off the bank and buy Homefield's freehold from receiver GVA Grimley had failed.

"It's extremely frustrating because it appeared to be a very genuine attempt to save the school," Mr Partridge said.

"These investors were aware of the school's reputation and the feelings of the parents, and were prepared to invest and keep it running as a school.

"I am so frustrated because there is so much goodwill, but we seem to be thwarted for technical or professional reasons."

But all is not lost.

Now mother-of-five Lynn King, who told the Daily Echo last week how three generations of her family had studied at Homefield, is appealing for parents and ex-pupils to club together to buy back the school as a non-profit making co-operative.

She has the backing of the head teacher, but must now work around the clock to raise more than £1.8 million to pay off Homefield's creditors and have any chance of re-floating the independent school.

"I love this school and I want my two youngest children to go there," Mrs King, from Parkstone, said.

"I am meeting with some financial advisors to see if we have a realistic chance of putting this together.

"A lot of people have said if they had known of the school's financial plight they would have put some money in - well now is their chance."

For more details email Mrs King at lynn_king1@msn.com

Receiver Roland Morgan of GVA Grimley said he was unable to comment on specific attempts to buy the school but added: "I'm here to talk to anyone who can make an offer for the property."

PARENTS of children who were left without a school are holding a meeting at 2pm today at the Literacy and Learning Centre, in Bournemouth Square, to discuss the short-term possibility of sending their children there.

Interested parents and teachers are invited. For details call 01202 299587.

FRUSTRATED headmaster Tony Partridge has slammed Homefield's receiver after the school's latest rescue bid was torpedoed.

Just days after Bournemouth-based Park School pulled the plug on its plan to open a new school on the Homefield site, a small group of private investors approached the head with a new rescue package.

But on Monday their representative, Michael Williams, revealed how the group's plan to pay off the bank and buy Homefield's freehold from receiver GVA Grimley had failed.

"It's extremely frustrating because it appeared to be a very genuine attempt to save the school," Mr Partridge said.

"These investors were aware of the school's reputation and the feelings of the parents, and were prepared to invest and keep it running as a school.

"I am so frustrated because there is so much goodwill, but we seem to be thwarted for technical or professional reasons."

But all is not lost.

Now mother-of-five Lynn King, who told the Daily Echo last week how three generations of her family had studied at Homefield, is appealing for parents and ex-pupils to club together to buy back the school as a non-profit making co-operative.

She has the backing of the head teacher, but must now work around the clock to raise more than £1.8 million to pay off Homefield's creditors and have any chance of re-floating the independent school.

"I love this school and I want my two youngest children to go there," Mrs King, from Parkstone, said.

"I am meeting with some financial advisors to see if we have a realistic chance of putting this together.

"A lot of people have said if they had known of the school's financial plight they would have put some money in - well now is their chance."

For more details email Mrs King at lynn_king1@msn.com

Receiver Roland Morgan of GVA Grimley said he was unable to comment on specific attempts to buy the school but added: "I'm here to talk to anyone who can make an offer for the property."

PARENTS of children who were left without a school are holding a meeting at 2pm on Tuesday (Feb 8) at the Literacy and Learning Centre, in Bournemouth Square, to discuss the short-term possibility of sending their children there. Interested parents and teachers are invited. For details call 01202 299587.

See Tuesday's Echo for more stories about Homefield

First published: February 8