A chairman of governors has hit out at parents demanding an Oxford headteacher is replaced.

Bayards Hill Primary School governors' chairman Mike Parkinson said he was "disappointed" after the Oxford Mail revealed growing concern among parents.

He said the criticism was unfounded and rejected calls for the resignation of headteacher Keith Ponsford.

Over 80 parents claim incidents of bullying, a failure to keep children on premises, health and safety issues and a disappointing Ofsted inspection were reasons to replace the embattled head.

They also accuse Mr Ponsford of not doing enough to resolve a year-long feud between two families which resulted in a brawl at the school gates last week.

Mr Parkinson said yesterday: "We now have an accelerated programme of change to bring about an improvement in results.

"The governors have every confidence in Keith Ponsford, who leads the delivery of the plan."

Mr Parkinson said he was very disappointed at "the accusations laid at the door of the school by a small number of parents".

Three woman aged 54, 37 and 31, from Headington and Barton, in Oxford, have been arrested on suspicion of affray and released on police bail in connection with the brawl outside the school last Tuesday, police said yesterday.

A man arrested previously is also on police bail.