Parents, teachers, and local authorities have raised concerns about the strict discipline and alleged emotional abuse of children at three Essex schools managed by the Mossbourne Federation, a highly regarded academy chain under investigation.

The Mossbourne Federation, celebrated for turning around education in one of London’s most impoverished boroughs, has come under scrutiny. The chain operates four schools and a sixth form in Hackney and recently extended its reach into Essex, taking over two underperforming secondary schools and a primary school.

Before the takeover in December, Hackney was already investigating the federation’s Victoria Park Academy following an Observer investigation. The review was spurred by allegations of emotional abuse. Now, parents at the Essex schools have joined their Hackney counterparts, expressing apprehensions about the management style of the federation.

Approximately 130 parents attended an urgent meeting to voice concerns, including reports of children experiencing anxiety due to strict discipline and teacher outbursts. One incident cited was a child who was left in wet clothes all day after being denied a trip to the restroom. Other parents complained that the schools were not accommodating special educational needs, mirroring issues experienced at Victoria Park Academy before its sanctions and the subsequent wider investigation.

The academies’ disciplinarian approach, spearheaded by the chain’s founder, the former chief inspector of schools Sir Michael Wilshaw, has been praised for transforming educational outcomes in Hackney. The first Mossbourne school opened in 2004 and has received accolades for its high results and strict policies. Local authorities praised the federation in 2011 for sending students to prestigious universities.

However, it is now known that over 300 individuals, including parents, ex-students, teachers, GPs, and child psychologists, have provided accounts of alleged emotional mistreatment. The Essex parents echo these concerns, with one mother recounting her son’s distress after being unable to use the toilet and another parent describing the child’s anguish due to a harsh maths teacher.

A teacher from Mossbourne’s academy in Fobbing shared similar concerns, describing assemblies where students were intimidated with lists of rules and punishments, resulting in student anxiety. The teacher also mentioned instances of emotional abuse from staff that they have witnessed.

Responding to these accounts, one mother recounted the transformation in her son’s behavior after the takeover—he became withdrawn and anxious. Another parent said her daughter felt dehumanized by the teachers’ treatment.

No response was received from the Mossbourne Federation when contacted for comment.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/mar/02/pupils-uk-schools-academy-essex-mossbourne