PARENTS are calling for an academy trust to release an “inadequate” school from its control.

Ortu Gable Hall School, in Corringham, was rated “inadequate” – the lowest possible Ofsted rating – earlier this year.

Parents are calling for the school, converted to an academy in 2012, to be removed from the Ortu Trust.

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In a bid to allay parents’ fears, the school has named a new headteacher, with former vice principal Mr Gary Lewis stepping into the role.

Parents and carers held a protest outside the school last month following the resignation of former headteacher Mr Ceri Evans.

And Claire Shaw, who has a child in year nine, says she is “deeply concerned” for her child’s future with how the school is being run.

“Since the creation of trust the school has been on a downward spiral,” she said.

“Removing the school from the trust will mean it has the fresh start that it deserves and the teachers we have will feel confident to go on and make a success of the school.

“We do not want to give up the fight. This is our children’s future, and we cannot stop until we have change.”

Yesterday, Ortu Trust leaders announced a rapid improvement plan had been submitted to the regional schools director on Friday pledging to improve safeguarding, the ambition of the curriculum, and communication with parents.

The trust also announced Mrs Georgina Clark had taken over as acting chair following the illness of Mr Steve Nash.

She said: “While he is away, I, along with the full school community have a big job to do, but I’m confident that this plan, together with the support and energy of the trust board and local governing body, will ensure this school regains your confidence and is a school we are all proud of.

“I would like to personally reassure everybody that come the first day of term, our doors will be open, our teachers be will here and we are all looking forward to welcoming back our children to the 2022 academic year.”

Parents and carers will be invited meet with members the trust over the coming weeks.