A DUDLEY councillor is calling for heads to roll at troubled Hurst Hill Primary School after a damning Ofsted report.

Government watchdogs branded the school, in Paul Street, Coseley, inadequate and placed it in special measures but UKIP councillor Star Etheridge says campus chiefs should resign.

The school, which is close to Sedgley and Woodsetton, has been the centre of controversy since May when a number of children were removed by their parents after allegations a pupil was in possession of a knife on the campus.

Police dismissed the allegations as rumours but the incident prompted protests outside the school entrance and sparked an inspection by Ofsted.

Cllr Etheridge said: “It appears that, due to the poor results from Ofsted, resignations of the leadership team and the governors is the most appropriate first step.

“The whole reason for having primary schools is so that the children attending are given the very best chance of a productive future. The current structure is failing these children thus it is imperative that there should be immediate resignations.

“It is striking that only three years ago the school was rated as a good school, what has happened in such a short space of time to turn a good school to one that is in special measures?”

In their latest report Ofsted found there were strained relations between a small group of parents and the school, although most parents’ views were positive.

However the leader of the protesting parents is determined to force changes at the top.

Karl Stevens, chairman of the Hurst Hill Parents Group, said: “We want resignations. The school is simply failing our children. This ongoing failure has gone on for far too long. The performance of Hurst Hill Primary continues to decline. Surely serious action is needed.

“Ofsted say leadership at the school is inadequate and that teaching at the school is also inadequate. The word inadequate doesn’t even scratch the surface.”

However the school’s leader seems in no mood to step aside and has instead complained to Ofsted about their findings.

Caroline Dingle, head teacher at Hurst Hill primary school, said: “We are an improved and successful school and always strive for the best educational standards for our pupils. We have already made representations to Ofsted about the findings of the report, while recognising the opportunity to make improvements.

“A number of improvement measures have already been put in place, including partnership working with other schools, and we will continue to keep parents regularly informed as we make progress. We want to maintain a positive, learning environment for all of the children to the end of term, and welcome any comments from parents to us directly.

“Our pupils will continue to be at the heart of everything we do, and we will continue to work with the local authority, parents and governors to raise standards further.”