PUPILS of a Liverpool school for bullied children are to be forced to leave because nobody is prepared to fund their care.

The Red Balloon Learner Centre – a 15-place sanctuary for bullied children too afraid to go to school – opened on the site of a former private children’s home in Anfield in April.

Built in the memory of murdered toddler James Bulger, the £275,000 purchase of the premises followed a massive fundraising campaign launched by his mother Denise Fergus, one of the centre’s trustees; Esther Rantzen, and former Merseyside Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe.

Children referred to the centre are expected to spend up to 18 months under the care of expert staff with a view to reintegrate them back into education or employment.

Although they have access to normal lessons, children receive one-to- one support to boost self-esteem.

But we can reveal that eight of the 15 children on roll are set to leave on Friday.

After a review of its accounts, the Red Balloon charity which runs the schools confirmed it had not secured funding – which equates to around £15,000 per pupil per year – to continue their provision.

It means pupils face having to go back to mainstream schools and potentially face their tormentors – or kept at home.

The Daily Post understands the problem stems from the centre liaising directly with schools to take in the pupils without a funding agreement from Liverpool council.