STAFF who took a voluntary pay cut at a Hereford school to help its financial situation have received abuse and threats from outraged parents, say governors.

A letter sent to parents of the Robert Owen Academy stated that all its staff from the principal down had taken a drop in their salary to ensure the school continues to run smoothly.

The school in Blackfriars Street was sent a written notice to improve financial management, control and governance at the Trust in the summer by The Education Funding Agency (EFA) amid fears of its 'weak financial position'.

“Candidly our staff are heroes and we should be counting our blessings as to how lucky we are to have them,” said the letter signed by Deborah Gittoes, Chair of the Governing body and Christopher Morgan, Chair of the Trust.

“What they have received in return from a small section of parents and their children was abuse, threats, harassment, accusations of corruption, favouritism and downright untruths much of which have been posted in very public places.”

Following the news that ‘staff changes’ might be needed at the school by January, students protested outside the front of the academy this month waving placards.

“The unfortunate action by 16 students last Friday has brought about complaints from the general public about dangerous and unruly behaviour,” adds the letter

“It was unfortunate but understandable that on Remembrance Day some observers also viewed it as disrespectful to the fallen.

“However, our students had refused to register in the Academy, their parents were briefed by telephone so the responsibility for their actions remain with each individual and their parents.

“Should there be a repeat of the action we will ask for police involvement. Also each student needs to reflect on the fairness and legality of publicly calling for the sacking of the principal who is highly regarded by us as Trustees and Governors and by the Ofsted monitoring of the Academy."

Governors state that new teachers have now been appointed at the school and classes will continue ‘without hindrance’.

They add: “We are impressed with the quality of staff who want to come and work with us to fill the small number of vacancies and to strengthen provisions.

“Your children’s academic, technical and vocational education will continue without hindrance or diminution.

“Our Robert Owen Academy is a brave new experiment in technical and vocational education with many individual success to proclaim.

“The sort of very public behaviour we are currently witnessing from a minority can only weaken our credibility in the community and with that the reputations of our much valued students."