A school that teaches some of Medway’s most vulnerable children has won a battle against the government over its future.

After more than a year of uncertainty, Twydall Primary School has an academy sponsor of its choice, rather than the one selected by the Department for Education (DfE).

It was announced on Friday that Rainham Mark Grammar School Academy Trust (RMGS) was the governors’ preferred option.

Gary Telfer, the governor leading the academy conversion at Twydall, said: “We have been fighting for a long time to get a correct sponsor in place. It’s a relief the actual decision has been made and we can focus on school improvement and getting the children the education they deserve.

“What Twydall has proved is that each school is unique and has its own unique needs.

“All we wanted was Twydall to be matched with a sponsor that would serve these needs and that’s something with the actual process that needs to be looked at. I hope the DfE has learned lessons from this.”

The academy process began after the primary school was put into special measures by Ofsted in May 2014, a move which meant, under government legislation, it had to become an academy.

Parents started a campaign against the DfE’s preferred sponsor, the Thinking Skills Academy Trust (TSAT) – which runs Rochester Grammar, All Faiths in Strood and New Horizons in Chatham – because they did not believe it was right for the school.

Emma Hatt, from campaign group Parents And Twydall Together, said: “We think this is a great example of how having a choice of academy sponsor and allowing both parents and school leaders a voice is key to reaching buy-in from all parties.

“Ultimately we all want what is best for our children, and we are grateful that the DfE has allowed us this chance to work with a sponsor of our choice.”

Despite threats from Lord Nash, the parliamentary under secretary for schools, to remove the governors, they voted against the trust in February after which TSAT withdrew.

Twydall was then given time to find a new sponsor, and started talks with Greenacre Academy Trust and RMGS.

Simon Decker, right, head teacher at Rainham Mark Grammar School, said: “We are delighted that Twydall Primary School governors decided that RMGS was the closest and best match for the school’s needs, ethos and future aims.

“Both schools are united in our desire to return Twydall to being an outstanding primary school.”

The move is subject to approval by the DfE.