Essex primary school avoids academisation

A primary school in Essex has had a government order that would have forced it to convert to an academy lifted.

Following an Indadequate Ofsted inspection in December, the Department for Education (DfE) had issued an academisation order on the William Torbitt Primary School, forcing the local authority run school to be converted to a privately run academy.

However, the news sparked protests from parents and staff, with a petition against the move signed by more than 1,400 people online. After another Ofsted inspection found a rapid improvement, William Torbitt received a Good grade.

On Friday, Ilford North MP Wes Streeting received an official reply from education secretary Damian Hinds, confirming that the academisation order issued to the school had been lifted.

Cllr Elaine Norman, Redbridge Council’s cabinet member for children and young people told the Ilford Recorder: “I’m delighted the government has listened to all of our concerns and lifted the academy order for William Torbitt Primary School.

“This is fantastic news and was only possible thanks to the brilliant effort from the school, students, teachers, parents and support from the council.

“Staff and students have worked tirelessly to make rapid improvements and it’s brilliant this has been recognised.

“We have a clear and unequivocal policy which opposes any school being forced to become an academy against the wishes of the parents, carers, staff and school community and I’m pleased the school will continue to have the support from the council and build on the fantastic progress to thrive and succeed for the benefit of the communities and children.”