Two Cambridgeshire MPs have met with the Department for Education to discuss their concerns about secondary schools that are run by a controversial academy trust. 

The Astrea Academy Trust has previously come under fire with students “living in fear” over its strict behaviour policies and for the way staff are treated. 

Now, almost six months into their new roles as MPs, Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) and Ian Sollom (Liberal Democrat), have confirmed they are both pursuing the issue at a higher government level.  

In a social media update to constituents, Mr Obese-Jecty, who is MP for Huntingdon, highlighted the significant drop in the number of students going to 6th Form at St Ivo Academy, in St Ives.  

After meeting with senior leadership officials, he said: “My most immediate concern has been the precipitous drop in the number of pupils entering the 6th Form, falling from 109 pupils entering the Lower Sixth last year to 38 pupils this year.  

“This was attributed to a perfect storm of factors and I was assured that the forthcoming strategy from the school and investment in the 6th Form Centre would seek to arrest the slide.  

“I do remain concerned that unless a bold correction is made there may be even fewer pupils entering Year 12 next year and I look forward to seeing [St Ivo’s] detailed strategy once it is completed next month. I will continue to monitor this issue closely.” 

Mr Obese-Jecty also mentioned there has been a drop in Year 7 entries for the school.  

But Astrea has pointed out Cambridgeshire County Council data shows there has been a drop in Year 6 pupils in the town going up to secondary school this year.  

A St Ivo spokesperson said: “We were pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Ben Obese-Jecty last week and to discuss a range of issues, including the plans we have for the transformation of the sixth form at St Ivo.   

“We are committed to listening to parents and resolving any issues where they arise, so that all students can thrive, educationally and personally." 

Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty outside St Ivo Academy in St Ives.  (Image: Ben Obese-Jecty) Meanwhile, Mr Sollom, who represents St Neots and mid-Cambridgeshire, says he has also met with Ofsted to discuss the situation in St Neots.  

He was advised parents and carers can complain about a school through the regulator’s website.  

In his update, Mr Sollom said: “I continue to be deeply concerned with Astrea’s performance and engagement with the community in St Neots, particularly around Longsands Academy.   

“I have spoken to many parents to understand the concerns they have for their children, particularly those with Special Educational Needs, and the impact school policies and staff turnover is having on their education and opportunities.” 

A spokesperson for Longsands said the school is “committed to continuing to improve relationships with parents and to address any concerns”.  

She added it wants students to “thrive educationally and personally, and go on to have every success in life”.  

“Parents should raise any concerns directly with the school in order to give staff the chance to respond positively to these as quickly as possible,” the spokesperson said. 

Longsands Academy in St Neots.  (Image: Google Street View) The Department for Education and Ofsted were both approached for a response to this story.  

The Department for Education explained it does not comment on individual cases and Ofsted said it didn't “have any comment” to make. 

The Astrea Academy Trust runs five schools in Cambridgeshire: Longsands Academy and Ernulf Academy in St Neots; The Centre School and Cottenham Village College in Cottenham; and St Ivo Academy in St Ives.   

A spokesperson for Charlotte Cane, the Lib Dem MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire, confirmed she is aware of parents’ concerns at Cottenham Village College and has raised these with the school and her neighbouring MP Ian Sollom.