END of term came for the last time at Seafield School in Ardrossan last week.

Owner’s Quarriers announced the school would close in January blaming decreasing demand making it no longer financially viable.

Two residential homes have also closed – Merton House in Largs and Williamfield in Irvine.

Alice Drife, chief executive of Quarriers, said: “These facilities and their dedicated staff have offered a safe, learning environment for vulnerable young people for many years and we want to thank staff and parents for all their positive involvement and support over that time.

“We have worked in close partnership with all the local authorities involved to ensure all the young people have now been resettled and a significant number of staff have been redeployed elsewhere in Quarriers.

“While this is undoubtedly the end of an era for these facilities, Quarriers’ total commitment to working with vulnerable young people and adults to help them achieve their full potential is very much ongoing across the UK.” Quarriers have declined to say the number of jobs lost, but a source from the school put it in the region of 60.

A farewell party was held at Auchenharvie Golf Glub on Friday attended by outgoing and ex-members of staff.

The Grade B listed building has been on the market since 2012.

The estate agent’s schedule notes: “North Ayrshire Council have advised that they will consider a range of uses for the buildings and on the wider site.

"However, they have a policy that seeks to safeguard the retention of the Listed Buildings.”