Gina Miller joins ‘heartbroken’ ex-students fighting to save Eastbourne school

The prominent activist, who successfully challenged the Government to make sure Parliament had a say on Brexit, has shared a petition calling to keep Moira House open.

It comes after the school announced last week it will be closing at the end of the summer term after 145 years due to financial difficulties.

In a statement to this newspaper, Ms Miller said, “It was with very great sadness that I read of the proposed closure. I had met with and been in contact with the school board in terms of saving the school, and although coming under the Roedean Group was not the first choice is appeared to offer a stable solution.

“In an environment where too many schools’ academic pressure is creating anxious, stressed pupils, Moira House is a rare non-selective school that gives girls the space, guidance and teaching to be confident, unconventional and curious in discovering their individual talents and strengths.

“It is a great shame that Roedean does not appear to value this provenance, encapsulated by the school motto of ‘other people matter’, that dates back to 1875.

“Moira House has also been an integral part of Eastbourne and I have many fond memories of event such as weekly visits to old people’s homes, helping out at local fetes, ball-girling at the tennis and Longman walks.”

Miller is among the private school’s long legacy of successful ‘old girls’ – including actress Prunella Scales, author Rumer Godden, and Les Miserables star Isabelle Allen.

Another former student Shirley Choi said she felt ‘heartbroken and cheated’ by the news, and launched a petition on change.org calling for the decision to be reversed.

She said, “It brought me to tears. I just think it’s not right and wanted to do something about it.”

Eastbourne Roedean Moira House closing - school releases statement

The school – which was established in 1875 – said it had ‘exhausted all avenues’ attempting to remain open, in a statement released on Thursday (March 5).

There was an outpouring of shock and sadness over the announcement, with many former pupils sharing their memories.

Shirley said, “One of the major reasons why I’m doing what I’m doing now is because of my music teacher at Moira House, Mrs Pudney.

“She had a really profound effect on me. She used to pick me up from home and make sure I was well prepared for my examinations. I’m still so grateful.

“She believed in me when nobody did... I owe my music career to her.”

Now an award-winning musician and composer, who works on video games and apps for children, she said, “I spent three and a half years there but the impact I have is long lasting.

“I feel like this petition was something I needed to do and give back. I want to do my bit to save the school.”

The petition has so far received just under 1,000 signatures and is available at www.change.org/p/roedean-board-of-trustees-save-moira-house

A spokesperson for Roedean said, “No one wants to be involved in the closure of a school. It’s heartbreaking.

“Everybody did everything they could but pupil numbers were declining, despite the fact that it was a wonderful school.”

The spokesperson said Roedean’s intention with Moira House was always for the long term and it would not make a profit out of the school’s closure.

They said the school had lost almost a million pounds in 2015 to 2016. In 2017 the loss dropped to 127,634 but in 2018 Moira House had lost £326,557.

It is understood the school also made a loss in 2019, though the accounts have not yet been released.

Roger Sanders OBE, Chair of Roedean Council said,, “All of us at Roedean are saddened that despite the improvements delivered and everyone’s best efforts it was not possible to return RMH to a profitable position.

“Roedean Council has been impressed by the dedication shown by everyone during the past three years, and we thank them for their valuable contributions.

“We will continue to support RMH through this difficult time and to help parents, staff and students to plan their next steps as much as possible.”.