Case study

Claudia Watts, 17, is head girl at Wentworth College and halfway through her A-level studies.

Her father, Kim, a captain in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and her mother, Amanda, both 52, are now trying desperately to find her a place at a new school before the term begins in September.

Mrs Watts said: “When I first heard the news I just couldn’t believe it. We thought it was just the rumour mill . . . I phoned the school and it went straight to an answer machine saying they had gone into administration and that is when it hit us that it was true. It is absolutely devastating.

“Claudia was incredibly upset by it all. She would be going into her final year of A levels, so it couldn’t have come at a worse time for her.

“We don’t know what to do next and will be ringing around local schools to try to find somewhere for her to go. It is just awful and I feel for everybody involved, as it was such a wonderful school which nurtured its pupils so well.

“I just hope there is a rescue plan and the school can be kept going.”

Claudia said: “I am halfway through my A levels and I don’t know if I will be able to resume them at a new school.

“I have been looking at Talbot Heath school and Bournemouth School for Girls but if they don’t accept me I will look at local colleges. A friend called me last night and asked me if I had heard the news. I was in shock – I can’t believe it.

“Next year is the most important year for me. I am doing art and geography and it may be difficult to find schools who are with the same exam board, so I may have to start a new course halfway through, which will be very difficult.”

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