An Oxford school will close unless a sharp decline in pupil numbers can be quickly reversed.

Headington Quarry CofE First School is likely to close in September next year, as it is estimated that there will only be 25 pupils.

This is compared to 61 pupils this year, 71 in the academic year 2001/2002 and 82 in 2000/2001.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Kate Rule and chairman of governors Brendan Greehy said: "There needs to be a very rapid and significant increase in the numbers of children who enrol in this school for September 2003.

"If not, the governing body must come to the extremely painful decision that, owing to declining pupil numbers, it should be recommended to the LEA that the school close at the end of the summer term 2003."

School budgets depend on the number of pupils and unless more enrol, Headington Quarry would be able only to afford one teacher, one teaching assistant and very limited support staff.

Different year groups would be taught in the same class.

The school in Quarry School Place recently received an excellent Ofsted inspection report, and managers had originally planned to run three classes next year. The letter to parents added: "Parents in the local area are choosing not to send their children to our school.

"It is clear to the governing body that with these low numbers there would be insufficient money to provide the standard of education that we want to offer and that the children deserve."

School managers have been in contact with the Anglican diocese and Oxfordshire County Council to investigate ways of keeping the school open, but without success.

The school is unlikely to be offered assistance to stay open by the council.

Executive member for schools Tony Crabbe said its survival was "down to parents".

He added: "If the school is not popular with parents, I see no reason why it should be kept open, providing there is adequate provision elsewhere.

"It's always sad when a school gets to this situation. Unfortunately people start to worry about it closing and don't send their children there. It's a slippery slope."