Copeland MP Jamie Reed has written to the government’s education secretary, on behalf of parents, to ask how Bright Tribe can be removed if rapid improvements are not made at the academy.
And Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland, says it is “possibly now time for Bright Tribe to call it a day”, adding: “the education of our kids is far too important.”
It follows growing concerns from parents about the trust that runs the academy and the sudden departure of principal Philip Grant.
A meeting is being held today by the academy’s action group at St John’s Church Hall, at Hensingham, from 7pm.
The aim is to seek views on how Bright Tribe is doing and decide if they should take further action on behalf of the school community.
And Mr Reed has written to education secretary Justine Greening asking to discuss the “profound concerns” raised by parents about Bright Tribe.
“In short, I am told of a worsening, not improving picture at the Whitehaven Academy,” said Mr Reed.
His letter concluded: “For the avoidance of doubt, parents with pupils at the school has asked me if significant, rapid improvement cannot be made at the Whitehaven Academy, how can Bright Tribe be removed?”
Philip Grant Since the school changed into a Bright Tribe-run academy in 2014 there have been five principals, most recently Mr Grant.
And Mr Starkie said: “I’m very sorry to see Philip Grant go. Like everyone else I have not been given the reasons why but I’m aware, from talking to parents, that most felt he was doing a good job and there is real disappointment that he has departed.
“Bright Tribe has already let the school community down when it decided that Whitehaven Academy should not be part of the Whitehaven Education Campus.
"Serious questions now need to be asked of Bright Tribe. There was a distinct lack of communication about Mr Grant’s departure, which gives scant regard to pupils and parents.”
Mike Starkie Mr Starkie is set to attend tomorrow's meeting.
The action group has already raised numerous concerns about Bright Tribe, but it has praised Mr Grant.
They said his sudden departure was “out of character”.
A spokesperson added: “A number of us feel that, despite the many positive changes, strong leadership and hard work of Mr Grant and his team at the school, Bright Tribe continues to mismanage the school.”
Bright Tribe did not comment.
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