The future of a historic school embroiled in a anti-academy campaign appears to be laid out following a Government announcement over who will be running it.

United Learning Trust is set to move into the John Roan, ending months of speculation from teachers and parents.

The school was hit by a damning Ofsted report last year, which under Government legislation means it is turned over to an academy chain, as opposed to the local council running it.

The John Roan has been caught up in months of strikes and protests as a campaign run by parents, campaigners and teachers, battled academisation.

United Learning has been announced by the Department of Education as the school’s new sponsor, and will takeover the school from September.

Earlier this months parents and teachers told the LDR service they were worried about United Learning moving in.

Colin Fancy, a campaigner and parent at the school, said today: “Since ULT were announced we have been contacted by parents and teachers from other ULT schools warning us not to allow them to take over John Roan.

“Like the parents at Brooklands School, John Roan parents will not lie down and let this academy trust roll over us. Like the staff at Halley, John Roan will stand up to save the education they provide for our children.

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“We will be meeting with CEO Jon Coles next week and will make it clear why academisation is damaging education and why we will oppose his organisation being forced on our children’s school.”

Mr Coles previously took to social media saying he was “determined” to take the school on following another day of striking earlier this month.

The Department of Education made the announcement last week, writing home to parents.

Dominic Herrington, the National Schools Commissioner, wrote: “I am delighted to announce that United Learning has agreed to sponsor The John Roan School.

“I know that the continued uncertainty must have been worrying and unsettling for all associated with the school. However, we were working hard with United Learning, Cath Smith and The John Roan Foundation throughout this period to ensure this solution is the right one for the school.

“United Learning is a very experienced system sponsor trust, with a record of accomplishment in helping schools turn around underperformance. The Trust’s aim is to bring out the best in everyone, which chimes well with The John Roan School’s vision of its students being the best that they can be

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“The Trust is keenly aware of the proud traditions, history and ethos of The John Roan School in serving the local community in Greenwich, and will work with the Foundation to preserve them. Among other commitments, the Trust has promised to retain the school’s name and its crest.”

A spokesman for United Learning said: “We are very pleased to have been chosen as the sponsor for The John Roan School and we are grateful to the number of staff and parents who have already been in touch to welcome our involvement in the school after a turbulent 18 months for everyone there.

"Whilst we are not responsible for the how and why of The John Roan School becoming an academy, we are now responsible for its future and we look forward to beginning work with the leadership team in planning the year ahead. Our focus will be entirely on education, the good of the young people and the future success of the school”.