IPACA has launched a consultation process over staffing as the troubled organisation looks to make savings of £1.7m - which equates to 45 full time posts at the school. 

Gary Spracklen has also been appointed acting principal with immediate effect, the school confirmed in a statement on its website.

The move comes just weeks after former principal Joss Hayes suddenly resigned. It followed an Ofsted report which found the school to be ‘inadequate’ across every measure, though it did not criticise Mrs Hayes directly.

In the statement, Kate Shaw, chair of governors, said: “You will be well aware that the school has had to cut back on finances for the next academic year. With this in mind the governing body supported but the Interim Executive Principal, the interim financial director and external HR director support have started a consultation process to identify how the school can achieve a balanced budget for next year. This does mean that we will need to make some tough decisions resulting in significant savings.

“The governors and the leadership team are committed to minimilise the impact that this has on children in ensuring a broad and balanced curriculum which meets the needs of our children.”

A spokesman for Dorset County Council said that the school is consulting on proposals to find savings of £1.7m in staff costs, which equates to 45 full time equivalent posts, but it does not mean 45 members of staff will be made redundant.

The spokesman said: "IPACA hopes to find alternatives to redundancies wherever as possible."

Regarding Mr Spracklen’s appointment, the statement said: “We are delighted that Gary Spracklen has agreed to take on the Acting Principal role at IPACA with immediate effect. The continuity that this provides the Academy at a time when things are rapidly improving is important to us as a whole school community. The recent good work to improve behaviour, teaching and learning and exam outcomes will therefore continue without a further set of changes. Gary will be fronting all the Parent Forums going forward, providing plenty of opportunities to talk with him about the improvements at the Academy.”

More to follow.