The closure of Bradford's special school for blind children has been confirmed.

Temple Bank School will shut next summer, with staff and pupils transferring to other schools in September 2004.

Education Bradford says the youngsters will receive "a better education" in mainstream primary schools.

The decision was confirmed by Bradford Council after it received no objections to the plans throughout a two-month official consultation.

Parents did complain at an earlier consultation but are now apparently "resigned" to the closure, said head teacher Rick Neal.

Pupils will transfer to one of two 'partner' primary schools - not yet named - accompanied by Temple Bank staff who will continue to support them. Older children from Temple Bank have already transferred to Hanson School in a pilot scheme judged highly successful. A handful with more serious disabilities have transferred to another special school, Chapel Grange.

"This isn't the death of a school - we are moving it to another position," Mr Neal said, "It's only the buildings that are closing - the people, and everything else are carrying on. I don't want to get sentimental about the buildings."

He added that parents were in some cases looking forward to the changes, while others were getting used to the idea. "Nobody really wants it but everybody recognises the facts of life today," he said.

The school at Daisy Hill has shrunk to only 41 pupils and has a growing budget deficit.

Councillor David Ward, executive member for education, said: "We have been working closely with parents, staff and governors at Temple Bank to help make this transition as smooth as possible for everyone.

"It is now vital that we build on the work the school has carried out in the past and continue to improve the education and care we give these young people to make sure they achieve their full potential. I would also like to thank all the staff and parents who have been involved with Temple Bank over the years for their hard work and support."

Mark Pattison, managing director at Education Bradford, said: "This will allow us to provide a better education for visually impaired young people. As part of this we are also working on plans for partnerships with primary schools to build on the existing partnership with Hanson."