But parents and staff at Halstead Place Special School in Sevenoaks, have pledged to fight to keep it open.

Kent County Council says the school, which caters for boys from 11 to 16, should close as part of its review into special needs provision.

The news comes as a further blow to the school which was put into special measures by Ofsted inspectors in December.

Problem areas

Leadership and management were two of the problem areas highlighted by inspectors.

A spokeswoman for Kent County Council said the proposal to close Halstead Place, which has about 40 pupils, was due to a number of factors.

She said there was another similar school, Furness, in West Kent, and the review aimed to spread the facilities more evenly throughout the county.

She said: "Furness is better positioned, it is not on the outskirts and the buildings are in a better condition."

Wonderful staff

But, teachers and parents are now fighting to keep the school open.

Acting headteacher Tim Fox said: "We hope it doesn't close and will do our best to see that it doesn't.

"We want to do what is best for the staff because we have got some wonderful staff, so we are going to be positive and whatever happens we are going to make the school better."

People have until 28 February to give their views in writing about the closure.

There will also be a public meeting at the school on 18 February.

If the proposal is approved the school will close in August.