ALMOST 100 children have been withdrawn from a school by their parents following its takeover by an under-fire trust, it has been claimed.

Mossbourne Fobbing Academy, formerly the Ortu Gable Hall School in Corringham, was one of three school's taken over by Hackney based Mossbourne Federation in January this year.

However, the trust has faced criticism from parents over strict disciplinary measures, including banning mobile phones and preventing pupils from entering local shops.

Now it has been claimed that 93 children have been removed from Fobbing Academy by their parents because of "safeguarding" concerns.

The figure was revealed at a Thurrock Council full council meeting where the council confirmed senior officers will conduct a full review of the data.

At the meeting, Independent councillor Neil Speight said: "At a parents' meeting in January, you told Mossbourne parents you shared their concerns and pledged to address them.

"Ten months on, those concerns remain, and a recent FOI report confirms that 93 children have been withdrawn from Fobbing Academy because parents fear a lack of safeguarding. How do you feel about that extraordinary figure?"

Responding, Cllr Vikki Hartstean, cabinet member for children's services, education and community safety, admitted the situation was serious.

She said: "The number of removals is obviously concerning, and I share the concerns expressed by parents, professionals, and councillors. It is not good enough.

"These figures demand urgent scrutiny, and that process has been underway for some time with Mossbourne's co-operation."

Since the council meeting it has been confirmed 97 children have unenrolled from Mossbourne Fobbing - and 53 from neighbouring suster school Mossbourne Port Side (formerly Hassenbrook).

Cllr Hartstean said parents are encouraged to meet with school leaders outside the formal complaints process to resolve issues before withdrawing their children.

"When families indicate they will remove their child, they are invited to meet with the principal to understand the issues and try to resolve them. In some cases, new concerns have been raised and acted upon," she added.

"These removals are not just numbers—they represent disrupted lives and families in distress. It's not something I will ignore."

The Mossbourne Federation also runs Mossbourne Herd Lane – formerly Hassenbrook Primary School

The Mossbourne Federation has been asked to comment.