CAMPAIGNERS took to the streets in an ongoing fight against the planned academy takeover of a primary school.

Parents, school staff and supporters of the Hands Off Moulsecoomb Primary campaign braved the rain and marched from the school's gates into Brighton to the Level yesterday.

Hundreds attended the march and speeches were heard at the Level, including from council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty and Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle.

It was announced last month that the Pioneer Academy would take over the school, despite opposition from many parents and councillors.

The Argus:

An "academy order" was made after Ofsted published a report in 2019 which rated the school as "inadequate".

However, inspectors have since praised the school for its work to support pupils during the pandemic, commending staff for helping vulnerable pupils.

Leila Erin-Jenkins, who lives in the area and is secretary of a support group at the school for parents and carers with children who have disabilities, was one of the campaigners marching on Saturday.

She said: "It was a fantastic turnout - there were hundreds. It was so heartening to have that support coming from all directions.

"We don't believe being taken over by an academy is going to improve the school.

"The school is on an upward trajectory anyway and we believe we should just be allowed to continue to improve.

The Argus:

"We want money to go on our children's education rather than two massive salaries that go on things like a Mercedes-Benz."

On Thursday, chief executive of The Pioneer Academy Lee Mason-Ellis visited the school and parked his Mercedes-Benz in Selsfield Drive opposite the school – but returned to find the car had been blocked in and covered in anti-academy posters by campaigners.

Leila said that if the academy takeover goes ahead, many children will be moved to other schools, and Moulsecoomb Primary could even be forced to close.

She said: "Ultimately, if this happens the kids will leave and go to other schools.

The Argus:

"The parents feel so strongly about it that's what they would be forced to do. No-one wants to move their children.

"And because of the high number of students living in the area, it would not take many people to leave for the school to have to close.

"This has been going on for more than two years now. It feels like if we win it will set a precedent."

In 2019, the New Horizons Academy Trust dropped plans to take over the school, following fierce opposition and protests from campaigers.