A TOP private school in West Yorkshire has been sold for an undisclosed sum. 

Dale House Independent School and Nursery on Ruby Street, Batley, has been acquired by Polaris Community - which is described as a "leading children's services provider".

Dale House was established by Andrew and Sarah Fletcher in 1999 as an independent preparatory school with a capacity for up to 120 students aged two to 11 years. 

Having battled with a serious illness, the pair decided it was time for Andrew to step back from the bursar's role and for Sarah to retire to help look after him - after dedicating more than 24 years of service to the local community. 

Dale House was ranked by the Sunday Times as one of the top 50 preparatory schools in England in 2020.

Andrew and Sarah said: "It was very sad to see such a lovely and successful school close, but we are delighted that it will remain as a school, providing desperately needed specialist services for the children in Kirklees."

Loren Cahill, project manager for Polaris Community, said: "We're thrilled with the acquisition of Dale House.

"With this remarkable space, we are poised to provide the best outcomes for young people, offering a nurturing, supportive and empowering environment to learn, grow, and thrive. 

"We cannot wait to open the doors to this school and witness the positive impact we will undoubtedly make in the lives of these promising young individuals."

The sale process was overseen by Christie & Co.

Vicky Marsland, associate director for childcare and education at Christie & Co, said: "I was very excited to take on this project when I originally met Andrew and Sarah. 

"From the outset, the primary concern was to sell the school as a going concern but, after exhausting all avenues, the highest level of interest came from specialist education and care providers. 

"It was extremely difficult for Andrew and Sarah to decide to sell but, ultimately, they had to make a decision that allowed them to move on to the next chapter of their lives. 

"It's been a pleasure working with them and I wish them both a very well-deserved retirement, being able to spend more time with their family and friends."

Dale House occupies a former Edwardian Sunday school which was originally built in 1907 and extended in 2002.