A BARONESS has joined the fight against turning a primary school into an academy.

Baroness of Moulsecoomb Jenny Jones is supporting the campaign to prevent Moulsecoomb Primary in Brighton from being made into an academy.

The Green Party peer, who grew up in the area and attended the school from 1955, said: “Academies have not shown they improve results and yet the Government continues its ideological agenda to force academisation on schools like Moulsecoomb. As a former pupil, I am proud to join the campaign to say Hands Off Moulsecoomb Primary.

“Working with Caroline Lucas, I will lobby the Government to change their misguided policy and do what is best for pupils – giving their schools the funding they need to succeed.”

Figures from the School Cuts campaign website estimate a loss of £595 funding per pupil at Moulsecoomb Primary since 2015/16.

Last night (MON) councillors discussed a motion calling for parents and carers at the school to be balloted over the plans.

The results of the ballot will be shared with the Regional Schools Commissioner who will make the final decision on academisation.

Councillor Elaine Hills, Green Group spokeswoman on the city council’s children, young people and skills committee said: “Greens have a strong track record of opposing academisation in the city. In administration, we forced a parental ballot to be held at Hove Park School, which found 71 per cent of parents against.

“We are pleased to work with the Labour group of councillors and campaigners on ensuring that the pupils of Moulsecoomb Primary receive what is best – remaining as a locally maintained school. We urge everyone to sign the petition to show our support for Moulsecoomb Primary.”

A petition by campaign group Hands Off Moulsecoomb Primary has already received more than 2,000 signatures.

The petition, created by campaigners, argues there is no evidence academies raise standards and schools under council control improve faster.

It also argues that academy schools do not receive any extra money and it is a permanent decision that cannot be reversed. It says the school can improve its Ofsted rating without being forced to join an academy trust.

A public meeting will be held at the school today (TUES) at 6pm. Deputy leader of Brighton and Hove City Council Nicholas Childs will be there. Other speakers will be governor Warren Carter and Holly Atkins from the Save Lewes Schools campaign