A private senior cycle and language school in Tralee has ceased trading.
Brookfield College had suffered "a significant loss" as a result of Covid-19, its principal told students and parents in an email yesterday evening.
Students and parents were told the decision was made "with deep regret".
Principal Elisha Dowling told parents and students in an email: "The company has suffered a significant loss as a result of the Covid crisis.
"We have also had very few new enrolments for the upcoming year and consequently the business is no longer viable and has been placed in liquidation."
The school was based in a rented premises in Monavalley and has garnered a reputation as a "grinds and language" school.
It accepts students for an English language course from all over the world and some foreign students were in quarantine preparing to begin their course, it is understood.
Direct appeals have been made to local TD and Minister for Education Norma Foley to step into the situation.
A Department of Education and Skills spokesperson has said the Minister was aware of the closure and her Department was ready to support students.
However staff issues were a matter for the college involved, the statement added.
Numbers are not clear but it is believed dozens of students from Tralee, Killarney and other parts of Kerry will have to find a place in 5th and 6th year in other second-level schools.
A number of foreign language students were already in Tralee and in quarantine, it is understood.
Leaving Cert and other students were due to begin next Tuesday and had bought books and other course material as well as paying deposits.
Students applications had been accepted in recent weeks and interviews had taken place.
Local Sinn Féin Councillor Cathal Foley said this was "a devastating blow" for students, staff and parents.
"Deputy Pa Daly has been in touch with Minister Norma Foley," he said.
Parents have been contacting Minister Foley and other TDs.
Those who paid fees would now be listed as creditors and liquidators JPA Brenson Lawlor would be in contact, she said.
Sixteen teachers are employed in the school.
