A PARENT who pulled their son out of an Oxford school said they hope it can be turned around despite recent turmoil.

As reported on the front of yesterday's Oxford Mail, the headteacher and governors have left The Oxford Academy in Littlemore, after concerns about behaviour and staff shortages.

The article, which reported on fire alarms being frequently set off and a surprise Ofsted inspection, attracted more than 100 reader comments.

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One parent, commenting on our website, said: "I've just moved my son out of The Oxford Academy...Hardly a lesson went by without them all having to troop outside [due to fire alarms].

"I'm so relieved my son is now out of there but I sincerely hope that the school can be turned around.

"The kids there have no chance of a decent education the way things are, and there are plenty of kids there who do want to learn and do well."

The parent said his or her son was physically bullied, and branded the situation an 'utter shambles'.

Laura Kinch, commenting via Facebook, said: "The [GCSE] results were really disappointing considering they were on the up and doing really well only a couple of years ago.

"I personally blame the whole system.

"I have three children in the school so have really noticed the change, [I] really think the government need to step in and help now it’s just getting out of control."

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Margaret Roper, commenting on the Oxford Mail's website, said disruptive children have become 'endemic' in schools.

She added: "Equally, but frustratingly endemic, is a dearth of psychological support to ensure these children maximise the integrity of their school time and allow the majority of non-disruptive children the opportunity to do the same."

Another commenter said they had witnessed 'absolutely disgraceful behaviour' at the secondary school but said teachers were trying their best to discipline them.

Ruth Wilkinson added: "This needs to be resolved quickly, the students need to get on with their learning with minimal disruption as exam results will influence their future ambitions."

School leaders say they are working hard to drive rapid improvements at the school, and have brought in a team of experts to address concerns.