GOVERNORS claim the decision to remove them is “unfair” and insist they were given no prior warning.

The former governing body of Thorpedene Primary School says its members have been left “shocked and saddened” by the decision.

The Thorpedene Academy Committee was made up of 11 members with a combined 80 years’ experience, who also played extra roles to monitor finance and safeguarding at the school.

The committee says the school has seen the benefits of joining Southend East Community Academy Trust. which oversees schools in Shoebury and Southend, in 2016.

However, it had raised concerns over a proposal for the school to provide more money to the Trust.

Governors insist subsequent meetings with the Trust raised no concerns about their abilities.

Jo Amos, a spokesman for the committee, said: “Governors have continued to put their focus on the children at Thorpedene, and the school and staff and how decisions impact on the children, now and in the future.

“Governors do not agree with the decision that has been made to remove them from their positions, and how it has been handled. They have not been given an opportunity to discuss that matter with the Trust.

“The former governors would like to take this opportunity to assure parents of the school that Thorpedene is in a fantastic place, and this is reflected in the full Ofsted report.

“They would also like to thank all the staff that they have worked with over the years for their support and hard work put into Thorpedene.”