The academy school in Lupus Street has seen protests by pupils and parents. Photo: Amir Loddo

PARENTS are to draw up a list of demands for the new headteacher of a school which became engulfed by race protests relating to its curriculum and uniform policy.

Campaigners at Pimlico Academy said they remained “apprehensive” after learning that the school’s principal, Daniel Smith, has resigned and will leave his position on May 31, the last day of the current half-term.

He will be replaced by Anthony Oulton, who has previously been the senior vice-principal at the school run by the Future Academies group.

Lucinda Meritt, of the Pimlico Academy Parents Group, said: “I think all the parents are feeling quite relieved. There’s also feeling of apprehension that we’re just getting someone of the same calibre.”

She added: “Our group is still concerned so we will be putting together a list of demands that will be similar to the one we sent to the school not long ago where we called for a decolonisation of the curriculum.”

Mr Smith, who arrived at the academy in Lupus Street last summer, had faced a sit-in demonstration by hundreds of pupils at the end of March.

Daniel Smith

Among the grievances was a “back-to-basics” uniform policy which included banning hairstyles that “block people’s view” – seen by protesters as discriminatory against people with Afro hair – and rules against colourful hijabs. The school was also criticised by pupils for changes to history lessons, which were said to sideline historic figures normally remembered during Black History Month.

The hoisting of a new Union Flag over the entrance sparked further anger and Mr Smith was told he had been insensitive to an intake where three-quarters of the children are from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background.

Members of the National Education Union had raised the possibility of strikes in June.

In an email to staff, Mr Smith had written that he had already told Future Academies, chaired by former schools minister John, Lord Nash, of his intention to step down earlier in the term, although his decision only became public on Tuesday afternoon.

Anthony Oulton

A statement from Future Academies said: “We thank Mr Smith for his unwavering commitment during this time which has been very difficult due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

“Mr Anthony Oulton will take up the post of acting principal from the start of next half-term.”

It added: “Mr Oulton, who is well known to staff and students at the academy, will be working with Mr Smith to ensure a smooth transition in the coming weeks.”

This week the NEU was balloting its members at the academy over possible industrial action.

It has said that over 32 staff already planned to leave at the end of the school year.

Newly-elected Labour councillor Liza Begum, a former student at the school, said: “The school has a lot of work to do in repairing relationships with parents and students, ensuring they are more involved in decision-making; having parent governors would be a start.

“I hope students are able to return to a better school environment and I will be working with parents and students to ensure the school takes their concerns seriously.”