Avondale Preparatory School in Salisbury, which opened in 1923, has been sold to investor, David Allison of EduPartners – a UK-based education consultancy company that works with schools to help deliver the best-possible learning experiences.

Avondale is a non-selective, co-educational independent day school, with space for 180 children on roll between the ages of two and 11.

It originally opened in 1923 and since this time has upheld a reputation for quality education and pastoral care for nursery and school children.

Acquired by Stuart Watson in 2013, the school has thrived under its current headteacher and improved each year to attain high standards.

However, Watson decided to sell to allow him to move back to New Zealand with his young family.

Following a confidential sales process with Jassi Sunner at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by Allison of EduPartners, which also owns Salterford House in Nottingham.

Sunner said: “Our client, Stuart, has successfully run Avondale for over 10 years and instilled a fantastic ethos in the business which was always going to be apparent for any potential buyer.

“After a range of interest following our various marketing campaigns, we found interested parties have a wide range of plans for the school with differing future uses.

“Stuart decided to sell to David to keep the continuity of the school, and his strong affinity to the school meant he wanted to leave the staff and pupils in good hands with as little effect on them as possible.

“We helped to manage the process post-agreed sale and encouraged a consistent dialogue to ensure we met some specific deadlines.”

The school was sold for an undisclosed sum.