Parents at a Bacup primary school have said they are furious to find out their headteacher, who has turned the school around, is set to be leaving in December.

Starting a petition to keep John Howarth at St Mary’s Primary School, they are determined to make his temporary placement more permanent, after witnessing major improvements following an ‘inadequate’ Ofsted report at the end of the last school year.

Having been in charge for three months, he has improved the quality of life for many children, with behavioural difficulties and children with disabilities receiving particular attention, they said.

Robert Murdock, a parent at St Mary’s, said: “The school was probably one of the worst going and they sent him in to change things around.

"He has been there three months and things for the parents are going up and up.

“We are all getting used to him and he isn’t making big promises, and we just see it happening.

"The school went all the way down and now the parents will see the change and now they have to get rid of him.”

Before his arrival, the leadership and management of the school were rated inadequate by inspectors, which was largely down to high staff turnover.

Robert added: “They are changing the staff so regularly and it is not good for the school, and it upsets the mindset of the children.

“The kids don’t know if they are coming or going or gone and you need someone to stay with the school.”

Mr Howarth will be returning to his deputy headteacher post in a sister Catholic Multi-Academy Trust at the start of the Christmas holidays, but now parents are petitioning the trust to let him stay and carry on his work.

John said: “I am extremely grateful to have been allowed to work at St Mary’s R.C. Primary Academy, it is a really special place.

“I would like to thank all the amazing children, staff and parents for their welcome and unwavering support.

“I still have a full half term left to build on the progress we have already made and wish nothing but success for the school after my departure.”