The academies trust which is aiming to merge both of Witham’s secondary schools has been ordered to improve its finances by the Government.

The Academies Enterprise Trust, which runs Maltings Academy and New Rickstones Academy, has been issued a financial notice to improve by the Education Funding Agency.

Witham MP Priti Patel called for the trust to be ousted.

A trust spokesman said: “There is no link between the notice, issued just five weeks ago, and the future of Maltings Academy and New Rickstones Academy.

“The proposal dates back to a series of meetings held by their governing bodies to discuss the possible options last year.”

See this week's Witham Times for the full story.