Abbeyfield head James Fox will not be returning to the school, parents were told today.

The school has been managed by acting head David Nicholson, who was previously the deputy head, for more than six months. This follows the announcement in December by Wiltshire Council that Mr Fox was 'no longer at his desk'.

No reasons for the decision were given in today's letter, which states that the council and governors are seeking to appoint a new headteacher for the coming school year.

The letter reads: “Mr Fox’s employment as headteacher at Abbeyfield School will be terminated by mutual consent from August 2012 and he will no longer be taking an active role in the management of the school. We are grateful to Mr Fox for all his work with the school and we wish him the best for his future career.

“We are pleased to note the effective work of the teaching and non-teaching staff at the school which is likely to result in a sixth year of ‘best ever’ results for the school.

"We will continue to work with and support everyone at the school to ensure the students receive the best possible education. The school will be seeking to appoint a new headteacher.

In the meantime acting headteacher Mr Nicholson will continue to lead the school with the current senior leadership team. Thank you for continuing to work in partnership with us as we appreciate this has been a very difficult time for the school. We now believe the school can look forward to a successful future and enhance its positive reputation in the community.”

A parent, who has asked to remain anonymous, says she feels parents have been left in the dark.

“I feel it’s been handled very badly,” she said.

“The letter doesn’t say anything. We still don’t know why Mr Fox is no longer at the school. I haven’t heard a bad word about him, and he completely turned that school around. It’s terrible that we’ve been told so little - we still don’t have a clue what’s gone on.”