A bid to take over the failing Sikh run Khalsa Secondary Academy in Stoke Pages is being made by the governors and trustees of the 'outstanding' Khalsa Primary School in nearby Slough.

Devastated leaders of the trust that runs the Stoke Poges school at Hollybush Hill have been given 'notice to quit' by schools minister Baroness Elizabeth Berridge, after it was found to be 'inadequate' and put in special measures by Government Ofsted inspectors six months ago.

Khalsa Primary School in Wexham Road - also a Sikh school - was given an 'outstanding' rating after it received a similar inspection. Many of its pupils transfer to the Stoke Poges school, so the Government might well see it as a logical step that its own leaders should take over.

The chairman of the threatened trust at Khalsa Secondary Shaminder Kaur Ryatt has reacted angrily to Baroness Berridge's decision, asking her to give the trust a second chance by allowing Ofsted to visit again.

But today the trustees of Khalsa Primary revealed they had had 'initial conversations' with the Regional Schools Commissioner's office and intended to apply to take over at the Stoke Poges school.

They maintain that parents need have no fear of the Sikh ethos being lost as Khalsa Primary is also a Sikh faith school, following the values of the religion.

Their statement says: " One of our teachers has been recognised by the UK National Teachers’ Awards as a potential Teacher of the Year and our head has been shortlisted for Head Teacher of the Year.

"We are aware that the Sikh Ethos is important to the students of Khalsa Secondary Academy and their families. As an existing Sikh Faith School, the vision and values at Khalsa Primary School are based on the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji and a very important part of our curriculum that underpins all we do."