AN ANGRY parent has described the £40m flagship Swan Valley Community School as "a disgrace and a let down" following the suspension of its headteacher.

The state-of-the-art privately-funded school in Swanscombe, which has been beset by problems since it opened four years ago, announced the suspension of Keith Ogg just before the Easter Holidays.

Kent County Council would not confirm why he was suspended but admitted there were complaints by staff, students and parents about the management of the school.

One parent from Greenhithe, who didn't want to be named as she still has two children at the school, says it is "worse than Grange Hill".

She said: "This is just another problem at the school which has been a disaster since it opened.

"It was built because there were not enough school places in the area but it has been a let down.

"There has been bullying, children running wild on the premises and poor academic results."

The school closed a day early for the Easter holidays and its governing body is looking for an acting headteacher while an investigation takes place.

This is the latest in a catalogue of disasters at the school:

Phase two of the Private Finance Initiative School's building schedule is two years' behind schedule, there is a shortage of six staff and the school is known as "Grange Hill" because of alleged bullying and academic problems.

Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate said: "I am glad the school's governing body has taken this action because I have had a large number of complaints from dissatisfied parents who are concerned about behaviour problems and academic difficulties."

He hopes after the investigation, the school can get "back on track".

Chairman of governors at the school David Hammock told News Shopper: "The suspension is a formality until an investigation can take place and is not indicative of any wrong-doing."

He added: "Whatever happens in the investigation, the school will improve. There is hope for the future."

The school re-opens on April 15.