Walsall MP candidate calls for new management at failing Willenhall E-Act Academy

David Winnick, who has been the MP for Walsall North since 1979, has written to education secretary Justine Greening asking her to appoint a team from the department of education to take 'full control' of the inadequate academy.

It comes after the school was placed in special measures by education watchdog Ofsted.

Mr Winnick said in his letter to Ms Greening: "The report is indeed highly critical and states the academy is inadequate in leadership, teaching, and outcome for pupils, including those 16-19 who are continuing their studies. Moreover, the teaching is described as substandard; it is relevant to point out that this is a large school which currently has over 1,300 pupils.

"If what I have mentioned so far was not enough, approximately 70 per cent of teachers at this academy left during 2015/16. The report also points out that a third of pupils in years 7-11 were persistently absent during the same year.

"It is hardly surprising that the national media has described this as one of the worst managed schools in the country.

"I would urge you to immediately arrange for a team appointed by the department to take full control of Willenhall E-ACT Academy. This is surely essential for all those, of whatever age group, who are studying there.

"Walsall Council has apparently raised strong concerns on numerous occasions with representatives of your department regarding the failures at this academy. However, it has been to no avail at all. Do please act now, Secretary of State."

Councillor Aftab Nawaz, Walsall council's education portfolio holder, has also had his say on Willenhall E-Act Academy and has vowed the council will try its best for the school's children.

He said: "My own view is that is it not good, not good at all. We will try our best for the children of the school but it has to be recognised that the government has tied our hands behind our backs and tied our legs together as well.

"The fact they have given academics such autonomy that they have no accountability to local authorities is not acceptable.

"To put it simply, the council could recommend the academy does this and that but it could turn around and say 'thanks very much for the advice but we are not going to do that' and there is nothing we can do."