A PROBE is underway at a Southampton school where dozens of students went on the rampage.

Government inspectors are investigating the Oasis Academy Mayfield after a number of concerns were raised.

Ofsted, the body that inspects and regulates schools, last night confirmed it was looking into complaints that had been made about the troubled school.

A spokesman said: “Ofsted has been made aware of the concerns about the academy. They are following them up. They are aware of it and looking into it to see what course of action is needed, if any.”

The spokesman declined to give further details.

Video interview with Ruth Johnson - part one

Ofsted normally make monitoring inspections to academies within two years of them opening.

Parents have voiced concerns about the timetabling and organisation of the new academy, which was formed from the merger of Grove Park and Woolston secondary schools.

Woolston ward councillors yesterday complained they had not been able to give parents any reassurances because of a “wall of silence” from school staff.

And they said they were unhappy after they were advised that the academy, as an independent state-funded school, was outside of the city council’s remit.

In a joint statement Labour councillors Warwick Payne, Carol Cunio and Richard Williams said: “We feel that more direct action by the local education authority is required as there is clearly a very significant problem between senior teachers and pupils.

Video interview - part two

“We feel that Ofsted should be brought in to see what sort of ‘failings’ are evident at this educational establishment.

“They may not be educational, but they are certainly in need of a serious external investigation.”

The councillors also called for a meeting with the school.

As reported in the Daily Echo, principal Ruth Johnson insisted she was listening to pupils and parents and wanted them to join her in making the new school a success. She promised to resolve the timetabling problems that have prompted unions to threaten industrial action.

She also said reports of rampaging students were exaggerated adding that no more than 40 were involved and that only one window and door were damaged.

She said the protest was about impossible demands concerning the changes brought in, particularly the academy’s firm rules.

A spokesman for Mrs Johnson said she did not wish to make a comment on the Ofsted investigation or councillor comments.

Video interview with Ruth Johnson - part three