ACADEMY trustees tried and failed to keep all three Ortu schools in the same trust - with the schools now set to be transferred into new management.

The Ortu Federation is being dissolved following a series of failures, setbacks and protests by parents with all three schools heading to new trusts. 

But trustees insist they tried their best to keep all of the schools within a single trust, claiming that despite "extensive discussions with the Department for Education (DfE)" it was not possible to keep the schools together.

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Georgina Clark, the chair of the Ortu Federation, said: “Whilst we are sorry that the Ortu Federation is disbanding, our trustees are working closely with the DfE to ensure that there is a seamless transition of Ortu schools to new more-established and larger trusts.

“We understand that this is a concerning time for parents and young people and are working hard to secure the best possible outcomes for all. Trustees are excited about the potential opportunities and expertise that the new trusts will offer the young people of our community.”

She added: “We will make the final decision in early February which will be communicated to all stakeholders as soon as possible thereafter.” 

Ortu Gable Hall School, in Corringham, will be transferred to the Harris Federation - a massive trust which runs 53 schools across London.

It comes after the school was rated “inadequate”, the lowest possible rating, after an Ofsted inspection in May of 2022.

The report led to furious protests from parents calling for the school to leave the Ortu Federation trust following the resignation of headteacher Ceri Evans.

Ortu Hassenbrook Academy, which was last rated “requires improvement” by Ofsted, and Ortu Coringham Primary and Nursery, rated “good”, both based in Stanford-Le-Hope, are also to be transferred to new trusts.

Trustees have been working with the DfE to identify suitable trusts for the Hassenbrook Academy and Corringham Primary School to transfer to, and are now in final discussions with three trusts that have indicated an interest. . 

An announcement has not been made in regards to Ortu Sixth Form Centre at this stage