COUNCIL chiefs have been accused of threatening to sack Warndon Primary School ’s entire governing body if they go against their plans to turn the school into an academy.

Councillor Alan Amos has accused Worcestershire County Council of forcing Warndon Primary to become an academy.

The school in Edgeworth Close is in special measures after first being labelled ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted inspectors 14 months ago.

It is currently being run by acting head Di Smith, who has been seconded from Abbeywood First School in Redditch.

The governors want that to become permanent and a consultation is currently taking place over plans to formalise the sharing arrangement under a federation.

But the county council has now sent the school a letter saying it is “unable to support” the idea because it would “dilute energies” away from improving Warndon Primary.

Crucially, it also states: “If the governors do vote to proceed with the implementation of a federation the local authority reserves the right to consider whether further action will be taken to secure appropriate leadership and governance, including consultation on an interim executive board.”

It also requests the primary links up with the Griffin Schools Trust, a charity which aims to convert struggling centres into academies.

Coun Amos, who represents Warndon, said: “The council has got the school over a barrel over this, it really isn’t on.

“What the letter is saying is that if you don’t vote for an academy and instead carry on down this federation route, we’ll sack the lot of you and turn it into an academy anyway.

“Nobody wants an academy, yet we are being forced down this route – it’s clearly a naked threat.”

Under a federation, Ms Smith would stay as head of both schools, but a second tier of management at Warndon Primary would be beefed up to allow her to spend time away.

Jill Georgiou, chairman of governors, has previously said how the school has benefited from Ms Smith’s “strong leadership” and is making good progress under the deal.

The governors will have a vote in September, and if they agree to their preferred option it will take effect from October 1.

Coun Jane Potter, cabinet member for education and skills at County Hall, said: “We’re not convinced it’s the right option for Abbeywood, because we’ve got to look at both schools.

“Di Smith is a fantastic head but can she spread herself across two schools?

“We would prefer the link with the trust, but the end decision is up to the school.”