A performing arts academy will leave the borough after failing to find a suitable permanent home in Haringey.

The Mountview Academy of Performing Arts in Coburg Road, Wood Green, has been searching for a new home for years but appears to have finally abandoned plans to stay in Haringey.

The academy has worked with Haringey council over the past few years to try and find a workable solution to their needs and looked at several sites near their current studios in Wood Green.

However, having also explored options across London the performing arts school has identified a site in Southwark within a one-mile radius of seven theatres and an arts college, and now aims to relocate there.

Principal and artistic director Stephen Jameson said: “Mountview would be extremely sorry to leave its home in Haringey but we are committed to securing the best outcome for our students, staff and alumni.

“The Academy provides high quality drama training to the most talented students from across the UK combined with a wide ranging community programme.

“We believe Mountview is a compelling proposition for any borough looking to establish a centre of excellence for the creative industries.”

If the planned relocation to Peckham does go ahead the academy has pledged to continue its 70-year association with Haringey by continuing to provide drama training for young people here.

Haringey council said it was “disappointed” as it had identified a number of potential sites to keep Mountview in the borough but welcomed the commitment to maintaining an arts programme here.

Council leader Claire Kober said: “We recognise the contribution that Mountview make to Haringey’s rich arts and culture scene, which is why we have been working hard for a number of years to help them find a permanent home in the borough.

“This has included identifying no fewer than three potential sites that would allow Mountview to stay in the borough and place the academy at the heart of our ambitious arts-focused transformation plans in Wood Green.

“We are of course hugely disappointed – as will many in the local community be – at Mountview’s preference for a move so far away from their historic home in Haringey.

“We welcome Mountview’s commitment to ongoing community schemes in the borough. Mountview have told us they would be happy to continue discussions about finding a permanent site in Haringey. We welcome this willingness and are committed to continuing our efforts to keep Mountview at home in Haringey where they belong.”

Former pupils at the school include TV presenter Amanda Holden, actress Elaine Paige and Lesley Lawson, better known as 60’s model Twiggy.