THE head teacher of a Greenock private school has paid tribute to its community as it shut its doors for the last time.

The board of Cedars School in Greenock made the shock announcement last month that yesterday (September 27) would be its final day before closing down permanently after 25 years in the town.

Concerns had been raised that the move would leave some pupils at the school with nowhere else to go, but head teacher Emma Rukin told the Telegraph today that all pupils had secured new placements.

She said:  “We have worked closely with parents and pupils to ensure that all have secured new school placements, and we are so pleased to hear from many families that their children are settling in well.

“Our staff have been deeply moved by the kindness and gratitude expressed by so many former pupils and their families, who have shared how much Cedars has meant to them.

“As our doors close today, we are filled with gratitude for the privilege it has been to serve the children, young people and families of this school, and for the lasting impact of our ethos and values on so many.

“For our dedicated staff and volunteers, today brings a mix of emotions, but we will be forever thankful for the opportunity to work with such an incredible team and such wonderful young people.

“We know the spirit of Cedars will live on in the hearts of all who learned, worked, and volunteered here. It has truly been an honour.”