School parent faces police probe over academy fiasco

The fiasco engulfing Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School turned to farce this week with the head teacher reporting a parent to police for harassment.

Last week the Gazette reported how governors had scrapped their plans after key members of the board stepped down.

Langton’s under-fire head, Jane Robinson, now faces an online vote of no confidence with more than 400 supporters.

With pressure from parents mounting, she has responded by reporting campaigner Richard Davis to police for alleged harassment.

Mr Davis is among a number of parents who vocally opposed the school’s bid.

Governors voted in November to form a multi academy trust (MAT) and to sponsor struggling Spires Academy in the process.

Last month the issue was plunged into controversy, with certain governors accused of conflicts of interest and Kent County Council admitting it was investigating the vote.

Eventually, KCC’S education chief, Patrick Leeson, ordered a revote after confirming he had uncovered “procedural shortcomings”.

It is thought that as many as four school governors resigned.

With school bosses facing a hostile reception from parents, the depleted governing body voted to scrap its plans ahead of a public meeting planned for last week.

The Gazette has since seen emails suggesting chairman of governors Dr Ash Rehal has signified his intention to resign.

Despite repeated requests, he has declined to comment.

A police spokesman commented: “We have received a report of harassment.”

Pupils protesting earlier this year