A proposed merger between two education trusts based in different parts of the county has sparked a major row among parents — with some even branding it “unethical”.

Plans to unite schools in the Rainham Mark Education Trust (RMET) with Veritas Multi Academy Trust, based in Deal, are being promoted by the same person who heads both.

The link between Dr Kerry Jordan-Daus, an experienced secondary school teacher and university lecturer who is acting chief executive of RMET and current CEO of Veritas, has been described as a “blatant conflict of interest” by one dad.

The father of two, who has children at Riverside Primary School in Rainham, is also incensed after it emerged Veritas has been ranked the second worst performing academy in England in a government table.

The Department for Education survey on the standards expected of key stage two pupils revealed Veritas, which oversees three primary schools, scored 35 per cent. The average is 61 per cent, making Veritas 648th out of 649 similar academies in the country.

The 38- year-old, who did not wish to be named, told KentOnline: “It is impossible for Dr Jordan-Daus to be considered impartial and objective by the public, in respect of this proposal.

“The RMET trustees appointed Dr Jordan-Daus and are therefore responsible for creating this dynamic.”

By joining forces, we can build on our collective strengths, increase capacity, and provide even greater opportunities for learning and development

He claims recruiting the CEO of the “second worst performing trust in England” and then proposing a merger shows “significant bias”.

RMET oversees Rainham Mark Grammar School, Twydall Primary School and Riverside Primary School in Rainham.

Schools run by Veritas are Warden House in Deal, Pilgrims’ Way in Canterbury and Mundella in Folkestone.

Consultation events were held across the schools.

Speaking about the “exciting possibilities” the merger would bring, Dr Jordan-Daus said: “By joining forces, we can build on our collective strengths, increase capacity, and provide even greater opportunities for learning and development.

“This is an important decision, and we encourage everyone to share their views as part of this consultation process.

But mum Sam Monk, 38, whose children go to Rainham Mark and Riverside does not agree.

She said: “Sadly I thinks it’s a done deal. It’s being pushed through regardless.

“I attended consultation meetings at both schools and it was more like a sales pitch.

“The whole thing seems unethical. We are talking about our children’s education here.

“We have been told we would be sharing and benefiting from each other's facilities. But how can a grammar school in Rainham benefit from a primary school an hour away down the road?”

Dad Dave Hunt, 42, from Twydall whose daughter goes to Riverside agreed and said it would be “very worrying” if the merger went ahead.

He said: “We know that they (Veritas) have come out badly in this survey, so why has it even reached the consultation stage?

“I believe standards will decline.”

Mr Hunt was speaking after a previous attempt last year to join with a trust which included two secondary schools in Medway was rejected following their poor Ofsted ratings.

Mum Tarra Nicols, 34, added: ”My daughter is at Riverside and loves it there.

“She’s seven years old and a good education is very important at this age.

“If it goes ahead and there’s a huge impact, and I think there will be, I would think about taking her out and moving to another school, which I don't want to do.”

The consultation with parents started on February 9 and ended on Thursday (March 6).

It remains an important decision, and we will share the outcomes from the consultation in due course

A spokesman for RMET said: “Proposals to potentially merge Veritas Multi Academy Trust and Rainham Mark Education Trust are being carefully explored, and as part of this we are (were) in a six-week consultation process, which we are grateful to have had strong levels of community engagement with so far.

“As part of our public consultation process, which has included in-person forums with parents, staff and wider community members, all views will be thoroughly considered independently by the Trust Boards, in line with robust protocols set by the Department for Education (DfE).

“This is alongside undergoing comprehensive and independent due diligence processes.

“Whilst the proposals are in the early stages and no final decisions have been made, the prospect of a merger offers a positive opportunity for our Trusts and schools, our young people and the wider community.

“It remains an important decision, and we will share the outcomes from the consultation in due course.”

KentOnline had asked the trust to comment on whether it considered there was a “conflict of interest”.

Each trust board will now independently make a decision if the merger will proceed based on the outcomes of the due diligence process and consultation with stakeholders.

This involves both Trusts reviewing each other in a range of areas, including finance, quality of education, facilities and premises.

It is expected this decision will be made no later than the end of March.

An application will then be submitted to the DfE to be considered by the Regional Advisory Board, chaired by the Regional Director for the South East.

Ultimate decision-making responsibility lies with the regional DfE board.