PARENTS worried their primary school may become an academy have been backed by an MP and councillors.

Governors of Tidemill School in Deptford are expected to vote on wether to convert to an academy on December 2 but they have faced huge opposition from some parents.

Last week, Lewisham Deptford MP Joan Ruddock wrote to constituents saying: “Having now considered all the arguments I have concluded that conversion to an academy would pose very real risks for the school itself and cannot be in the interests of the wider community.”

Lewisham’s Council’s Labour group has also joined the campaign, making clear their concerns in a letter to the governors.

Councillor Alan Hall said: “We are worried about the possible effect academy status would have on the local area and the wider borough.

“We don’t want to see Tidemill leaving the Lewisham family of schools – we want to see it remain in local control and maintain its high standards.”