Staff and pupils are celebrating after saving a leading independent school whose future was in doubt.

Rumours about the future of Bromsgrove's Mount School were rife after the site owner lodged plans to convert the building into apartments.

Parents and staff at the school pledged to fight the scheme and they are now celebrating victory.

"The situation is that the school is going to open in September. It's a huge sigh of relief," said Pam Wright, the Mount's deputy head.

"We are absolutely delighted. It's been a long haul but now we know that the future of the school is secure."

The Mount's future was thrown into doubt when school owner John Wakefield lodged plans to convert the existing building into apartments and build six new houses at the Birmingham Road site.

The scheme was rejected by planning chiefs at Bromsgrove District Council but went to appeal. That appeal is now set to be rejected and the school is signing a new lease with Mr Wakefield.

"We will lease the site from Mr Wakefield. It's going to be a long lease of 12 years with another 12 year option, which means the future of the school is secure," said Miss Wright.

Now that the future of the school is safe, staff are busy promoting the Mount and its family learning environment. There will be a series of open days to show prospective pupils and parents around the school.

The first will be a rainbow morning on June 18 from 10-11.30am. This will be for pre-school age children.

There will be a working open day on June 25 for reception through to year six children. This will run from 10am-12pm and again from 1.30-3pm.

Finally there will be an open morning on July 3 from 10am-12pm with conducted tours.

It is also possible to arrange an appointment to view the school by calling 01527 877772.