St Margaret's School statement confirms closure plans

St Margaret's School has issued an official statement confirming it is to shut.

The Exeter Daily has been told that all staff will stay in place until August 2013.

However, it states that the school is no longer finacially viable.

The statement says:

"It is with regret that the Governing Body of St Margaret’s School in Exeter has taken the difficult decision to close the school at the end of the current academic year.

The decision has been made following the entrance examinations for the 2013-14 academic year, when it became clear that projected attendance figures meant that the school is no longer financially viable.

To ensure that high educational standards are maintained and to safeguard the wellbeing of pupils during this difficult time, all teaching staff will be contracted to remain in position until August 2013. Appropriate members of staff will be on hand to address any issues pupils may have and help smooth the transition to the next stage of their education."

William Long, Chairman of Governors at St Margaret’s School said: “A three year plan was put in place with a view to steering the school to profitability, but after the entrance examination, it became clear that this was not achievable, so the difficult decision was taken to close the school at the end of the 2013 summer term.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank acting headmaster Lee Bergin and all of our teaching and support staff for their hard work as well as Woodard (the educational charity which is our ultimate owner) for their support.

“Our pupils remain our utmost concern during this difficult time. Everything possible will be done to minimise disruption and ensure they continue to receive the same high standards of education and emotional support that St Margaret’s has always provided for the remainder of the academic year.”