EDUCATION experts have been drafted in at crisis-hit Parkfield School in Bournemouth.

A letter sent to parents on Thursday said the team had been called in following a "disappointing" set of SATs results at primary school level.

It follows a difficult few months for the school, with the head, Terry Conaghan, remaining on sick leave, with uncertainty over whether he will return.

In July, the Echo reported further delays over the school moving to their new site at Hurn due to asbestos and bats.

The letter, from chairman of governors, Matt Clarkson and Graham Exon, chair of the interim academy board, said: "The Governors and staff of Parkfield were disappointed by the recent KS2 exam results and have decided that the best way to improve standards of education for next year is to appoint a group of education experts to direct improvements at the school."

The group includes Graham Exon, a national leader in governance, Brian Hooper, a national leader in education, and Carole Aspden, service director for children and young people's service's at Bournemouth Council.

Mr Hooper, who announced his retirement from Ambitions Academies Trust in April this year, has built a reputation for transforming underperforming schools.

The letter continues: "We recognise that issues with the school site and the move to the new site at Hurn have made the creation of a dynamic and engaging learning environment more difficult.

"Part of the newly appointed Interim Academy Board's remit will be to ensure we have as positive a learning environment as possible for your children.

"We are also pleased to tell you that the Education Funding Agency (EFA) has committed to investing in Dorset House for the short time we have remaining here."

It adds: "We are sure that if we work together as a community and welcome this change, the pupils at Parkfield will receive a higher standard of education.

"This, of course, is always our main focus."

Graham Exon, said: “The newly appointed board is committed to supporting our Parkfield colleagues.

"With them, we will concentrate on the progress, attainment and care of all students and ensure that there are robust plans for the future success of the school.

"It is essential that the whole Parkfield community work together and I look forward to meeting with parents early in the new term.”