Ironically before the birds were freed parents had been told that lack of freedom to pursue its own ethos of teaching was one of the main reasons for the closure of the school.

A clearly emotional head Hugh Stevens told the youngsters in front of a crowd of parents that they were "flying into the future" as the birds were freed.

Pictured are Abigail Fadero, 11, left and Tabitha McCulloch watching their dove flay away as pals await developments after opening their own cages.

The school's nursery department will be the only remaining.

In a statement to the parents Mr Stevens said: "St Peter's will no longer cater for children of school age. There are a number of reasons for the school's closure; the state of the economy has of course played a part with many of our parents affected.

"St Peter's was founded 43 years ago in order to provide a truly independent alternative to the choices offered in both state and private sectors, and it has enjoyed many years of success.

"Gradually and systematically over recent years, the government has eroded the independence of schools such as ours. A standardised set of values, targets and procedures has been imposed upon us all.

"Without the freedom to take its own independent course, St Peter's cannot stay true to its ethos and thus loses its essential purpose.
So that, in the end, is why we are closing: because, without its freedom, St Peter's has no reason to exist."

The youngsters were treated to an outdoor tea party and entertainers were brought in as part of the farewell celebrations.