A former headteacher of an Exeter school which is due to close in August has said she believes other options 'should have been explored'.
Maureen D'Albertanson posted her comments on a Facebook site which has been set up by parents as well as former and current pupils in a bid to try and prevent St Margaret's from closing.
The independent school in Magdalen Road, St Leonard's, will close on August 31 at the end of the current academic year.
The school, which is currently ranked fourth in the GCSE league tables in Devon, has blamed low forecasts for new pupils for the decision. A number of parents have expressed concerns about the move, which came shortly after the launch of a three-year recovery plan, while others are mounting a campaign to see it continue as a Free School.
Mrs D'Albertanson, who was headteacher of the school for 11 years and retired in 2004, wrote:
"I do understand that St Margaret's cannot survive as a standalone girls' school in the current challenging environment.
"Nevertheless I believe other options should have been explored, including becoming a faith/free school and perhaps entering a partnership with other schools in the area.
"Many people have made significant contributions to the school including adding buildings like the PAC (Performing Arts Centre), which if the school is dismantled, will probably be bulldozed.
"The money to build this, and all the other changes made, came from parents and friends."
