Parents with children at Springfields Academy in Calne are calling for the reinstatement of its suspended headteacher, Trystan Williams, and vice principal James Lynch.

Mr Williams was suspended from the academy for pupils with complex learning, emotional, social and behavioural difficulties in October 2013.

The move was in relation to an alleged assault on a student, but in October 2014 the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed no charges were to be brought against either man.

Now, three months after that announcement, parents have started a petition to support the two teachers, described as “inspirational charismatic leaders.”

Parent Ruth Diver, who helped to start the petition, credits Mr Williams for turning around her son’s behaviour.

She said since Mr Williams was suspended the boy’s behaviour had deteriorated, he has been given several exclusions and has not attended school since September 19 last year.

The petition, aiming to show the level of support that past and present parents have for the head and vice principal, was launched on Friday and has gained 290 signatures.

She said: “Mr Williams swept us up when nobody else was prepared to and made it work. I think it’s really important; he deserves our support because he supported us during incredibly hard times.

“Mr Williams had Government level recognition for his work. Michael Gove stated that the school was a beacon of excellence, which stemmed from his inspirational leadership.

“I think, as parents, we deserve to know what’s happening. It’s a wall of silence we have met; nobody has communicated with us at all.”

The school was rated outstanding by Ofsted in February 2013 and won Outstanding Special Needs and Overall Outstanding School of the Year awards at the 2012 TES Awards under Mr Williams’s leadership.

Polar explorer Alan Chambers, who helped launch Extreme Classroom expeditions which the academy has been involved with, has signed the petition.

He said: “After spending five years working with both James and Trystan, I have experienced nothing but professionalism of the highest standards to help support and encourage all the pupils at Springfields to make the most of their ability and prepare them for life’s challenges.

“I hold both teachers with the utmost respect and admiration.”

The school declined to comment on the situation.