A school in Broadstairs has been stripped of its ability to spend money by Kent County Council.

It comes after significant financial pressures were identified following a full financial review of the Charles Dickens School.

It was was carried out by KCC Schools Financial Services, which is now in control of the school’s spending and ability to raise money.

The difficulties also mean the interim leadership of executive head teacher Kim Stoner, along with other staff from St George's Foundation School, will end in July.

A letter posted on the Charles Dickens School website on Friday said: "The school faces significant financial pressures which require immediate and decisive action to secure the long term future of The Charles Dickens School."

KCC will look after the Charles Dickens School budget until a sponsorship arrangement is found to turn the school into an academy.

The letter continued: "St George's C of E Foundation School Governing Body has agreed with The Charles Dickens School governing body and the local authority that they will continue to guide and support The Charles Dickens School until a sponsorship arrangement has been found to bring about a conversion to academy status which is a key element of National Government’s policy for schools.

“The school faces significant financial pressures which require immediate and decisive action..." Charles Dickens School letter

"Academy status would create the opportunity to be part of a group of schools which can provide mutual support and benefit from working closely together."

A sponsorship arrangement would involve an agreement being made with a sponsor able to demonstrate the capacity to lead and develop the school.

The sponsor will need to show that they have already achieved a high level of performance and good outcomes for students in other schools and will have the capacity to take over responsibility for the long-term future of The Charles Dickens School.

The letter finished by acknowledging that the information may cause concern for parents.

It said: "We understand that this letter may cause some uncertainty, but please be assured that we are working together with the local authority to provide a speedy and effective way forward, securing the best possible outcomes for our students."