The Government has made it clear that in order for the primary part of Al-Madinah School to remain open, the secondary school must close.
School Minister Lord Nash’s latest intervention marks the end of a turbulent period in the existence of the free school, which first opened in September 2012.
Twelve months later in September 2013, a row over forcing teachers to wear Muslim dress, including a hijab – an Islamic head scarf – broke out and rumours of alleged financial irregularities prompted the Government to investigate and inspectors visited the school, resulting in a damning report and special measures in October.
Barry Day, chief executive of education charity Greenwood Dale Foundation Trust was asked in late November by the Government to step in to turn the school around.
He has agreed to chair the school’s new trust board in a personal capacity and advise on the future of the school but has indicated he will not be adding the school to the charity’s existing family of 23 academies.
Mr Day had already said last week the primary section of the school would move from its existing base in Norman House, Friar Gate to the secondary section in Midland House, Nelson Street by Easter.
He said: “As the new board, we know that there remains a considerable task ahead to secure the foundations for a high quality education for all pupils.”