STAFF and pupils at a trouble-hit Bournemouth girls' independent school are celebrating after learning it has been saved.

Wentworth College was placed in administration by its governors just over a week ago after running into finance problems connected with the costs of going co-educational from September.

Last Thursday a presentation was made by The United Church Schools Trust to a meeting of parents and staff at Wentworth College in Boscombe Manor.

On Saturday, the Echo learned that the Trust has now agreed to take over the school and has guaranteed it will re-open in September.

Several other educational trusts had shown interest in taking over the college, but The United Church Schools Trust emerged as the favourite to take over at the end of last week after being impressed by the unprecedented show of support from parents, staff and students.

Sir Ewan Harper, chief executive of the United Church Schools Trust, said: "Following an approach from Wentworth College's Governing Body ten days ago, the United Church Schools Trust has agreed to take over the school as a going concern with immediate effect.

"We are delighted to welcome the children, staff and parents of Wentworth College into our family of independent schools and can guarantee that the school will re-open in September and welcome back all its existing pupils and those joining for the first time. We will be writing to parents and staff next week with further information."

David Richardson, former chairman of the school's governing body, said he was "delighted" at the news.

The United Church Schools Trust runs 11 schools across the country.