HEAD teacher of Swan Valley School at Swanscombe, Keith Ogg, has been suspended after parents, staff and students complained about the school's management.

Mr Ogg was excluded on Friday after five years at the school. The exact issues concerning the suspension have not been revealed. A meeting was held at the school in Southfleet Road on Monday to discuss the action. The Local Education Authority was represented.

Chairman of Governors, David Hammock issued this statement afterwards:

"On Friday, Keith Ogg, the head teacher of Swan Valley Comprehensive School was suspended by the chair of the governing body following issues raised by parents, students and staff concerning the management of the school. A meeting is being held with the LEA at the school this evening to discuss the suspension."

The suspension is another setback for the £14 million Private Finance Initiative-funded school. The National Union of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers labelled it a Grange Hill horror in October 2000. It is due to open fully in September, two years behind schedule, with improved facilities for its students and the Swanscombe community.

One Dartford parent is appalled by the standard of the school. The woman, who did not want to be named, has a son in Year 8. She said: "My son is there and I don't think they have the teachers. They were being mass taught in the school hall.

"He never seems to get homework, and when I bought him a new uniform and equipment he got the Mickey taken out of him. I'm doing everything I can to get my child out of that school. My son has not progressed at all since starting."