 The school had been recognised as efficient in 1969, but due to the system of recognition being abolished in 1976, there was nothing the inspectors could do as long as they were satifisfied with the teaching.Mrs Paul, living in her house at 87 Belsize Park Gardens, had become more "autocratic and withdrawn", refusing offers of help.On being interviewed, she did not want to admit her age, saying that "if people knew, I would not be allowed to be headmistress".