GOVERNORS at a failing school have welcomed the appointment of a new academy trust to turn its fortunes around.

The Loxford School Trust has been appointed to take over the running of Cecil Jones Academy in Eastern Avenue, Southend following a troubled year in which it lost two headteachers and remained in special measures.

Robin Marcus, vice-chairman of the Legra Academy Trust and chairman of the Cecil Jones rapid improvement board, said: “We are pleased the detail relating to the new trust is out in the open and we look forward to working closely with Loxford School Trust on a swift and seamless transfer, allowing staff and students to move forward at pace.

“The decision to appoint Loxford School Trust as sponsor for Cecil Jones was taken by the headteachers’ board on the recommendation of Sue Baldwin, the regional schools commissioner.”

Mr Marcus added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues at Cecil Jones for their outstanding commitment to the academy during our tenure. We know they will maintain the same professionalism, drive and commitment to the success of the academy with Loxford.

“We do not yet know a final transfer date. However, our staff will start working closely with Loxford after half-term and we will keep parents and the community updated on our progress.”

Helen Boyd, Southend councillor responsible for children and learning, said: “Our priority is to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life, and we look forward to offering our future support to the new trust to help them deliver that at Cecil Jones.”

The Loxford School Trust consists of six academies. These are the Loxford all-through school in Ilford, The Warren Secondary School in Romford, Aldborough Primary School in Redbridge, Tabor Academy Secondary School in Braintree and Abbs Cross Academy in Hornchurch. They are run by Anita Johnson, chief executive officer. Ms Johnson is also headteacher of Loxford School which is judged as outstanding by Ofsted.

Cecil Jones has struggled in recent years with a falling pupil numbers as parents seek alternative schools. This has impacted on the funding the school receives per pupil.

Jerry Glazier, Essex NUT general secretary, said: “It is crucial that the transfer to Loxford Trust quickly shows tangible and sustained support together with the right ethos that enables the school to enhance capacity and opportunity for the sake of students and staff.”

“It is my view that the Loxford Trust must be able to quickly establish the trust and confidence of the staff, students and parents by demonstrating its capacity to restore the fortunes of the school.”

A parent, who asked not to be named, said: “There is a lack of communication that needs to change. They haven’t even informed us about the change.

“They need to get behaviour under control. They also need to get proper staff and not ones that have just come out of school.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We have announced Loxford Trust has been chosen as the new sponsor of Cecil Jones Academy. Once a due diligence process has been completed, the school will transfer. The commissioners’ office look forward to working with the trust to ensure pupils and staff see the improvement they deserve.”