The Preston Girls Secondary College school council made the decision last Thursday, saying enrolments were unsustainable and the college was unable to deliver a viable curriculum.

The school made a number of desperate attempts to save itself, and tried to discuss a merger or partnership with six schools– including Thornbury High School, Pascoe Vale Girls College, Northcote High School, Melbourne Girls' College, William Ruthven Secondary College and Reservoir High School – but there was no interest.

Principal Judi Benney said it was a sad time for the school, which has existed since 1928 and is the only government girls' school in the north-eastern suburbs.

She said declining enrolments were a "complex issue" and Catholic and private schools in the area had drawn students away from the school.

"If you don't support the local school then this is what happens."

She said many local parents also wanted to send their children to co-ed schools.

Sources said perceptions in the community that the school predominantly catered for Muslim students could have also played a role in its demise.

But Ms Benney dismissed these claims, and said while the school was multicultural, she did not think this had influenced enrolment figures.

"We are very mindful of our responsibility as a government school," she said.

There are currently 239 students at the school, but this is expected to drop below 200 if the school remained open next year.

Preston Labor MP Robin Scott said he was "deeply saddened" by the loss of the school and called on the Education Department to ensure that the site was retained as a school.

The Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals president, Frank Sal, said the school had been declining for some years.

"It is very difficult to turn this around once a metropolitan school gets small and loses the representation of the cross section of the community."

Elisa Grassa, who graduated from Preston Girls Secondary College in 1982, said she was shocked to hear of the school's looming closure.

There were around 1000 girls enrolled at the school when she studied there. "It was a good school. There were Australian kids, Italians and Greeks. There were great teachers."

An Education Department spokeswoman said the school council would recommend to the minister that the school close by the end of the year.

She said the department would work with the school to ensure there was no disruption for students.