AN MP is demanding answers from school leaders after hearing several complaints from teachers, ex staff, pupils and parents.

Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman has submitted 25 questions to Whitworth Park School, in Spennymoor, under the Freedom of Information Act to try and get a clearer picture of how the school ended up in difficulties.

Poor exam results in 2016, an inadequate Ofsted rating, the closure of the sixth form due to falling student numbers and staff redundancies have all added to concerns about student wellbeing and attainment.

Ms Goodman’s letter to the interim head teacher David Stone probes the sixth form decision, staffing issues from the recruitment and salaries of senior leaders to redundancy processes, school finances and health and safety procedures.

She said: “I want the best for the students of Whitworth, and that includes them having a good, safe school and sixth form centre where they can reach their full potential, but we cannot understand the full story until the school provide us with all of the facts.

“Once we have these answers, we can begin to fully understand the school’s position and plan for what is the best course of action for the school and its pupils.”

A HMI (Her Majesty’s Inspector of education) was at the school on Tuesday to ensure it is addressing Ofsted’s concerns and moving towards academy status with Willington-based Advance Learning Partnership. The findings are not public yet.

The feedback parents provided through an online poll was lukewarm. While most feel their children are happy, well taught and making good progress, 60 per cent do not believe the school is well managed and 58 per cent would not recommend Whitworth Park.

A school spokesperson confirmed the FOI request was received and a response would be made in line with guidelines.

The spokesperson added: “This year, students have approached their exams with more drive and vigour than ever before. They have been absolutely superb and shown high levels of motivation – the expectation is for a strong performance in both the GCSE and A Level results.

“None of this is possible without the hard work and support of staff, students and parents that has been evident at this crucial stage of the children’s education.”