The head teacher of a Bradford school has apologised for describing a group of rebellious parents as “evil” in a private e-mail to staff.

Joan Law, principal of Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College, accused the group of undermining confidence in the school’s leadership in the e-mail, sent to staff after a parents’ meeting.

In it she stated: “Our team is currently being destabilised by the actions and intentions of a small but influential and evil (I can use no less emotive a word) number of people who think that they can do a better job than the current team. They are questioning everything we are trying to do.”

Some parents are understood to be unhappy with mixed PE lessons for year seven and eight pupils. Mrs Law has also received a series of anonymous statements accusing the school of failing students.

Following a meeting with Bradford Council and Education Bradford, yesterday, she said: “The use of the word ‘evil’ is inappropriate and I wish to apologise for any upset I have caused.”

A joint statement by Bradford Council and Education Bradford said: “The Council and Education Bradford are working with the school in relation to issues raised by some parents and individuals in the wider community.

“However, some of the people who have raised concerns are currently doing so anonymously and we would welcome open dialogue with them.

“We are satisfied Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College is meeting the needs of its students. Their progress is among the highest in the Bradford district.

“We are confident the school will continue to improve its performance.”

Councillor Ghazanfer Khaliq (Lab, Bradford Moor), a governor at the school, said: “ I am shocked that she has described somebody as evil. Obviously from time-to-time parents do demand things but you never describe them as evil.

“I know Mrs Law works very hard trying to deliver the best education to the children.

“I have known her since she started at the school 20 years ago. Parents do have a right to raise concerns, it’s their children’s future.

“All of us need to look at what’s best for the college and the children attending the college. We are in the process of trying to resolve the issue that has been raised.

“That can only be done by looking at the whole issue and coming up with an appropriate resolution but comments like this don’t help.”