Unhappy end for doyenne of drama teaching

Anna Scher, the founder of one of Britain's leading drama schools, learnt yesterday that her campaign to be reinstated as principal of the institution she established 36 years ago had failed.

Miss Scher, who set up the Anna Scher Children's Theatre in Islington, north London, in 1968, has been campaigning for nearly two years to resume her position following a break due to illness. However, the board of trustees at the school have decided to advertise her position rather than reinstate her. The decision was made days after a series of resignations, including Stephen Dawson, the chairman of the board.

Their departures were prompted by a row centring on the reinstatement of Miss Scher after she handed control of the school over to a board of trustees when she was hospitalised with depression five years ago. Despite receiving a clean bill of health in March 2002 and teaching at workshops across the world, she has not been able to return to her former teaching position.

Yesterday, Miss Scher, whose campaign has been backed by hundreds of children, parents and former students, including Kathy Burke and Linda Robson, described her disbelief but vowed to continue teaching and, if necessary, set up a rival drama school.

"I am disappointed and unable to comprehend how they reached this decision," she said. "I taught there for 32 years and viewed it as my home. It reflects my methods, philosophies, aims and values."

The decision to advertise was made at a crisis meeting held by seven remaining board members over the weekend. Mr Dawson had earlier resigned amid allegations of personal threats with which Miss Scher's supporters strenuously denied being associated.

One board member, who did not want to be named, said: "What we have decided to do is to advertise the principal's job and anyone will be able to apply for it. As trustees, our obligations remain to the theatre."