A PRE-SCHOOL has closed its doors for the final time as a long-serving headteacher moves on.

Margarita Anderson has left Little Beeches Montessori School after spending 16 years as its headteacher and 19 years teaching children from Farnham Common.

The pre-school has been based in the Brian Jubb Hall behind St John's Church in Victoria Road since it started in 1997, and Mrs Anderson will be sad to say goodbye to her "family".

She said: "I am very proud as it has been a successful pre-school and part of the local community. It has been something I have enjoyed.

"I just decided that it was time to move on and take a break.

"Like the children, they are all moving up to school in September so it is time to move on."

Closing the doors for the final time will be the hardest thing for Mrs Anderson, 57, as she has overseen the education of around 200 children since taking over as headteacher and owner in 2000.

She said: "I can't even think about it. I will be very sad. It is a big part of my life and I feel I have made a difference and hopefully I have done.

"It will be emotional. Selling off some of the equipment has been quite a wretch but I have a lot of happy memories."

A lot of her former pupils have kept in touch and a celebration was held on Saturday at the hall featuring former pupils and parents.

Mrs Anderson, who lives in Maidenhead, said retraining as a teacher to take on the role at the pre-school was "the best thing I have done", having previously worked in a bank for 18 years.

Caroline Ashford, deputy headteacher who has worked at the pre-school for three years, said: "We know it is good for her and it is time for her to live her life.

"We are trying not to think about it too much - I know I will be in tears!"

Teaching assistant Sue Ashford, who has worked for 11 years at Little Beeches, added: "Everybody respects her. We all get on and are a great team."

Farnham Royal Parish Councillor Vicky Thompson, who has a son at the pre-school, said: “Her love for the children mixed with her passion for education will be sorely missed as she leaves her role. We owe her a debt of gratitude for the way in which she has given many of our children the best possible start to their educational life.”