SPOT the difference. The Independent Schools Inspectorate, in its recent report on the Dragon School, gave it the highest possible rating in every category assessed. The quality of the pupils’ achievements and learning was judged to be exceptional.

But in its latest Ofsted report, the Windale School in Greater Leys scored inadequate in its overall rating, and inadequate in every category judged. It was then put in special measures. Yet in 2012, while under local authority control, Windale was rated a good school, with pupils achieving well. Only after the school became part of the Blackbird Academy Trust in 2013 did standards fall so dramatically.

The Dragon School is a trustee of the Blackbird Academy Trust, but it is clear the high standards and excellent practices of the Dragon have not been transferred to Windale.

The Ofsted report notes ‘Leaders, including the trustees, have not done enough to make sure that the school has improved since becoming an academy’.

Orchard Meadow, another Blackbird Academy Trust school, is also in special measures. It may be that in time both Orchard Meadow and Windale will get back on track.

But right now I suggest there is a strong case for the Blackbird Academy Trust to be closed down before it causes any more damage.

Its three schools should be returned to local democratic control.

On a wider level, the academy school programme, while it may sometimes produce successes, is a reckless gamble with young people’s lives. It should be ended now.

CHRIS BREWER McCabe Place, Headington, Oxford