THE headteacher at a Thurrock secondary school has challenged critical parents and local commentators to visit the school and see first hand how it is performing.

Ceri Evans, principal of Ortu Gable Hall School in Corringham has taken to social media to address a number of issues raised on the platform of local Facebook sites.

He said: "I feel I must comment. I am so proud of the students who attend Gable Hall and they are a credit to the local community.

"My staff work tirelessly every day to provide a better future for this community.

"Yet it seems fair to post unsubstantiated comments, views and opinions which are then taken as gospel without understanding the full facts.

"I am tired of defending the children of this community, the future of this community from the community itself.

"Come to my school, see the work that the children produce on a daily basis.

"Watch their conduct, watch the dedication they have to their studies and then by all means post your comments.

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"You really need to see a normal day with your own eyes rather than through the comments of others."