Inquiry at London teacher protest school
The head teacher of a west London school caught up in a row over the sacking of a teacher has stepped aside while an investigation is carried out.
Last week hundreds of pupils at Villiers High School in Southall walked out of classes in protest at what they said was wrongful dismissal.
A school statement said following recent events a thorough investigation would be carried out by the governors.
It said head Juliet Strang would be on paid leave until this was completed.
A male teacher was sacked from the school on 7 February after an internal investigation, prompting protests by hundreds of children at the school.
Pupils who organised the demonstrations said the accusations that led to the sacking were false.
A statement from the school on Tuesday said: "Following the recent challenging and difficult events that have taken place at Villiers High School, a thorough investigation will be commissioned by the chair of governors into concerns that have been raised by all parties involved.
"Until this is complete, the chair of governors has agreed a paid leave of absence for the head teacher from Tuesday 15th February 2011."
According to the National Union of Teachers 300 people attended a community meeting on Sunday regarding the matter.
A council statement said it welcomed the independent school's decision to commission an independent investigation into the concerns raised on all sides.
"Our priority continues to be the welfare and education of the students and we are offering advice to the management and governors to support the smooth running of the school," it said.