A BOROUGH councillor has organised a meeting with an under-fire school after a string of complaints from parents.

The Mossbourne Federation, which runs Mossbourne Port Side School, Mossbourne Fobbing Academy and Mossbourne Herd Lane, has faced criticism from parents for 'Draconian measures' aimed at improving school discipline.

Mossbourne Fobbing has been blasted by parents for barring children from shopping at a nearby Co-op store.

This week, it was in the spotlight again for putting a young girl in isolation for wearing a knee-length skirt on her first day at high school.

Milan Jones, 11, was later told she couldn't attend school unless she wore trousers as she was deemed too tall for a skirt.

Easrlier this year the Mossbourne Federation defended itself against allegations it used an environment of fear and intimidation to achieve academic results.

Independent councillor Gary Byrne, who represents the Homesteads ward, has become so concerned at the escalation of complaints, he has arranged a meeting with the school on Wednesday, 24 September.

Cllr Byrne said: "I have taken the step of calling this meeting in an effort to mediate between the academy trust leadership and the parents and students who feel increasingly alienated.

"I have followed the Mossbourne story since its inception at schools in Hackney, where I went to school. In my school days, leadership often relied on fear and humiliation – what was then physical punishment has now, in many cases, been replaced by a form of mental and emotional pressure."

Cllr Byrne added: "My concern is that the same patterns we saw develop in Hackney over the last two decades may now be repeating themselves here in Thurrock. While Mossbourne has undeniably delivered impressive top grades, we must ask at what cost?

"My role today is not to obstruct high standards, nor to diminish academic excellence, but to ensure that the wellbeing of our children is placed at the centre of all decisions.

"Education should empower, not traumatise. Success must be measured not only in grades, but in the confidence, resilience, and mental health of our young people as they step into adult life."

The Mossbourne Federation has been contacted to comment.