Hundreds of parents and guardians have signed a new petition to stop an academy taking over a school.

Parents at Waltham Holy Cross Primary School on Quendon Drive, Waltham Abbey, are battling against the Department of Education’s decision to have NET Academy Trust oversee the school.

A campaign to prevent NET Academy Trust overtaking the school has been ongoing since March 2018.

In June this year, dozens of supporters staged a four-day protest with hand-held signs which resulted in the scheduled academisation being postponed.

Colin Potter, chair of Waltham Holy Cross Primary School Parents’ Committee, said: “NET Academy Trust and the regional schools commissioner who appointed them seem to believe that there are only a handful of parents against them. However, this new petition shows that large numbers support our campaign.

“It is now time for the authorities to take notice of the strong feelings of our local community and stop this academy conversion to NETAT.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

Campaigners have launched a new petition against academisation

A spokesperson for NET Academies Trust said: “After a full investigation carried out by independent experts, we are pleased that the government has decided that we remain the right sponsor for Waltham Holy Cross Primary School.

“The claims against us were false, damaging and unfair. Any suggestion that we would facilitate poor practice is abhorrent.

“NET are an education charity whose guiding principle is to provide the very best education we can for all pupils we are privileged to serve. We lead five schools in Harlow – three are rated ‘Good’ and two have not been inspected. We are proud to have improved these schools and that their pupils are well-taught, obtaining a great start in life.

“NET have a strong record of improvement within the schools we lead and are excited about improving standards at Waltham Holy Cross Primary School. We will work tirelessly every day to achieve that.

“We hope that all concerned will now come together to support the improvement of the school and act in the best interests of children and young people.”