A soon-to-be-closed school is expected to sell for more than £1.5 million when it goes under the hammer this month.

The Canterbury Steiner in Chartham, which will shut its doors for the last time this December, is expected to attract a lot of interest at auction.

The 4.4 acre site includes a theatre, basketball court, woodwork building, classroom blocks, main house and The Oast House.

Kevin Gilbert, from land and property auctioneers Clive Emson, is expecting a vast number of bids.

He said: “This is a unique opportunity and a large site.

“There are a number of buildings of different styles. It could have a multitude of future directions, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable.

“The site is sure to interest developers and investors and we anticipate a high level of interest.”

Founded in 1976, the £2,800-a-term school offers the unique educational style of Rudolph Steiner whose approach to education was to inspire imagination, involvement and discovery in children.

The future of the school was thrown into doubt earlier this year amid a funding crisis when as pupil numbers tumbled from 130 to 90 in the sapce of four years.

But the cash-strapped school, was seemingly given new lease of life in May, when bosses revealed a mystery investor had come forward with much-needed long-term funding.

However, in a dramatic U-turn just six weeks later, Friday, December 15 was announced as the final closing date.

The school will go up for auction on Monday, October 30 at the Clive Emson conference centre in Detling.