More than 1,500 people have signed a petition protesting a Government order to turn Moulsecoomb Primary School into an academy.
The order was made this month after the school was rated inadequate by Ofsted inspectors.
In January last year, the school agreed to reduced its intake by 30 pupils from September because not enough pupils were applying for places.
The school then moved to slash 11 jobs – about 40% of the school’s support staff – although the threat of compulsory redundancy was lifted after a campaign by parents and unions.
At the time, the GMB union said the school had a projected deficit of £318,000 if it took no action.
Now, the government has told Brighton and Hove City Council it is looking for a sponsor to take over the running of the school.
One of the parents who started the petition, Becky, said: “It’s been a big team effort involving parents, staff and the unions.
“The Ofsted results were very upsetting for staff and parents alike. It was a very hard read.
“I see how hard the staff work and that they genuinely care about our children. I know my children are happy at school and learning well.
“My youngest child has a lot of extra support at school, and because of this, his progress has been astounding.
“Our school is inclusive of all children, whatever the needs, abilities and backgrounds are. Just pause and think about that and the amazing job the school are already doing.
“I felt like Ofsted were blinkered, that they were not really seeing or acknowledging the great work that is being done at our school. I was so shocked.
“Then we received the news that the Department for Education were saying our school needed to be converted to an academy.
“There are strong feelings amongst parents, staff, and the local community against this. This simply cannot happen and as a community we will fight this.
“We don’t want our school to be part of a multi-academy trust, with zero accountability, with very questionable sky high salaries to its CEO.
