BRIGHTON Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said the decision was the right one.

She said: "This is wonderful news - I pay tribute to everyone who has campaigned so hard to keep Hove Park School part of the community, and I'm delighted the governors have listened to the results of the parents’ ballot, and to the strength of feeling in the city.

"Hove Park School has become a fantastic success story. I’m thrilled that it’s free to continue thriving - and I don’t believe becoming an Academy would have assured that. Many of my constituents were extremely concerned about the proposals, which would have dramatically reduced the accountability of the school. There will be a lot of relieved parents, students and teachers tonight".