School governors have been slammed for their inadequacies after a school was put into special measures by Ofsted.

Meridian Primary School in Peacehaven was judged to be failing to give pupils an acceptable standard of education after inspectors visited the school in October last year.

Now East Sussex County Council has asked secretary of state for education Michael Gove for an interim executive board to run the school.

This would mean the current governors would be booted out and a special team of leaders shipped in to help steer the school.

An East Sussex County Council spokesman said: “Children don’t get a second chance to have an education and therefore it’s vital that we have in place a governing body with the experience and skills required to turn the school around as quickly as possible.

“Ultimately, the decision on whether to appoint an IEB will be made by the secretary of state. In the meantime, we will continue to provide support to staff and the existing board of governors at what is a difficult time for everyone at the school.”

But MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven Simon Kirby has urged the council to consider allowing the current governors to solve the issues.

He said: “I am anxious that the county council does not act rashly and gives the new board of governors time to make the necessary changes to improve the school.”

Lead inspector Eileen Chadwick found the current governing body to be ineffective and weak at holding the school to account.

Headteacher Claire Westcott said: “We're obviously disappointed to be in special measures but we're confident the issues highlighted in the report can and will be rapidly put right so all our pupils get the best possible education.”