A SOUTHAMPTON MP has called for a school which has closed after almost a century of teaching pupils to reopen.

St Mary’s Independent School was “unable to continue” operating and closed permanently last Friday.

Governors of the school in Bitterne Park said they made the decision to close with “profound sadness and regret”.

However, MP Royston Smith has hopes the site will remain used for education.

The Tory MP for Southampton Itchen said: “I remember the school from when I was a kid.

“It has been there forever and when anything like this happens it’s sad. There are consequences for the staff, parents and children. You would rather these things did not happen. I would like it to carry on the way it is and hope the building can make a come back as a school. I do not want to see it redeveloped for houses.”

St Mary’s was placed into administration on May 19 by insolvency firm Begbies Traynor.

This was just months after being slammed by education watchdog Ofsted and then forced to close over coronavirus fears.

With annual fees between £8,085 and £10,506, there were 242 students aged between three-years-old and 16-years-old.

However, governors say they are committed to the possibility of establishing a new company which would offer a nursery and prep school.

Administrators report to have reviewed the school’s position and have concluded that due to financial circumstances it must close.