A TROUBLED school is set to be taken over by a new academy trust.

Cecil Jones High School, which is in special measures, is currently run by the Legra Academy Trust.

The trust, which also runs Belfairs High School and Darlinghurst Primary School in Leigh, revealed last month it had decided to pull out of Cecil Jones Academy in Eastern Avenue, Southend.

Legra Chief executive Bev Williams, has revealed the Loxford School Trust will take over the running of the school.

She said: “We can confirm Loxford School Trust has been selected as the new sponsor for Cecil Jones Academy in Southend. The regional schools commissioner’s recommendation to appoint Loxford was approved by the headteachers’ board.

“Legra Academy Trust will work very closely with the new trust to ensure a speedy and comprehensive handover to ensure Cecil Jones moves ahead swiftly.”

The school has suffered behavioural problems from pupils and lost two headteachers this year.

The Loxford School Trust in Ilford, consists of six academies and is run by chief executive, Loxford headteacher Anita Johnson.

All of its schools are rated either good or outstanding by Ofsted. It is hoped the trust with a proven track record can solve the issues with behaviour.

On her school website, Ms Johnson states: “We believe that students come first and that every child can find a route to happiness, prosperity and success. The trust was created to enable staff to work more closely together to deliver the best education possible for the students who attend our academies.”

Jerry Glazier, Essex NUT general secretary, said: “ It is a pity that Southend Council didn’t take back control of Cecil Jones.

“I think it is important that the impact on staff is considered and that they are consulted about changes quickly. The school needs stability about its future and to retain current staff and recruit the necessary number of new teachers to secure the future of the school.”