THE Worcestershire director of education has said a Malvern school made mistakes during events leading up to it being branded institutionally racist.

Julien Kramer said staff at Malvern Link CE Primary School were "caught off balance" in the absence, through illness, of head Jennifer Potts.

He said the school did not explain itself to a panel investigating complaints by parents as well as it could have done.

The independent panel, formed by the Church of England, went on to brand the school "institutionally racist".

Mr Kramer said he had met with staff, the diocese and Worcester Council for Racial Equality to discuss the findings.

"There are some things in the life of the school that need to be addressed if it's to be a secure institution. The school clearly accepts the needs for change and has made dramatic change," he said.

"This is a very good school, a very popular school and a high achieving school. I think they were caught off balance with Jenny not being there.

"In the absence of the head the school didn't really explain itself as well as it could have. I don't think they'd want to avoid responsibility but it could have presented itself in a more mature way. They sold themselves short."