Angry parents are set to discuss the troubled Whitehaven Academy at a public meeting this week.

The meeting for pupils and their parents is being organised by the academy’s action group following the sudden departure of principal Philip Grant.

The group wants parents, pupils, staff and governors to attend the meeting in St John’s Church Hall at Hensingham, on Thursday from 7pm.

It follows the shock announcement last week by Bright Tribe, the trust that runs the academy, that Mr Grant would not be returning to his post in September.

The principal’s role will be filled by Warren Turner.

Parents, members of the academy’s action group, councillors and Copeland MP Jamie Reed had tried unsuccessfully for the past three weeks to seek clarification from Bright Tribe after Mr Grant was absent for the final days of term.

Following Bright Tribe’s announcement the action group is planning to hold a meeting with concerned parents and children.

A spokesperson, via the action group’s Facebook page, said: “We are currently looking for a suitable, private venue large enough to accommodate this. We would like to discuss what facts we know and the action we have taken so far. The main reason for the meeting is to ask what you all want us to do next.”

Messages of support for Mr Grant have been posted on the action group’s Facebook page.

And Mike Starkie, the mayor of Copeland, 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.”

Parents and pupils have seen a rolling list of principals since the school changed to a Bright Tribe-run Academy in 2014.

Lynette Norris was head teacher for nearly four years, which included the changeover of the school into an academy.

The role of acting principal was taken up by Jacki Smith for eight months.

Following her departure, Vanessa Ray, principal of West Lakes Academy, and Yvonne Sharples, of Bright Tribe, shared the role of acting principal for three months.

Mr Grant became the principal last March following a move from Newton Rigg College.

A Bright Tribe spokesperson said: “Mr Grant would like to pass on his best wishes to all at the school and thank everyone for their hard work, dedication and commitment.

“We want to thank Mr Grant for his hard work and support over the last 18 months and we are certain that our staff, students and parents will all miss him.”

The new principal, Mr Turner is set to hold surgeries on Wednesday, August 31, and Thursday, September, 1 from 2pm until 6pm to meet parents and answer questions.

A spokesperson for Bright Tribe said the trust and the school “is committed to maintaining its close links with the local community and will always aim to communicate changes surrounding the school with staff, students and parents as quickly as possible”.