THE head of a trust that runs a Basingstoke academy has quit following criticism of its rapid expansion and high number of academies needing extensive support.

David Trigg has stepped down as chief executive of the Academies Enterprise Trust, a charity that runs nearly 80 schools, including Everest Community Academy, in Popley.

As previously reported in The Gazette, the AET was barred by the Department for Education from taking over more failing schools.