Academy parents get 'reassurance'

The academy was formed from the merger of a school and a college

Parents have said they feel "reassured" after meeting with new management at a troubled city academy in Cumbria.

Last week it emerged Ofsted inspectors had rated the Richard Rose Academy in Carlisle as failing.

The head teacher and chief executive were replaced in an effort to turn the school around.

On Wednesday a group of parents met academy sponsor Brian Scowcroft, new chief executive Mike Gibbons and county council leader Stewart Young.

One of the parents, Carol Thompson, said the meeting had been positive and those with concerns felt they were being listened to "at last."

'Inadequate' rating

Ofsted inspectors paid an emergency visit to the Richard Rose Central Academy after complaints from parents, who said they feared for their children's safety because of staff shortages.

Inspectors gave the academy the lowest rating possible - "inadequate" - and put it into special measures, meaning it gets intensive support to improve.

Head teacher Mark Yearsley and Peter Noble, chief executive of the Richard Rose Federation, which runs the school, left.

Ofsted's report said 90% of parents who responded to their questionnaire said they had "serious concerns" about their child's welfare, safety and education.

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