Portslade Aldridge Community Academy head James Fox has been suspended while an investigation takes place into the registration of pupils at the school.
Mr Fox is officially taking a leave of absence after a meeting on Friday afternoon (12 September).
Brighton and Hove News understands that the investigation will centre on allegations that pupils with high absentee rates were taken off the roll and designated as “guest students”.
In a statement, the governing body of the Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) said: “James Fox is taking a leave of absence pending the outcome of an investigation into the registration status of a small number of students at PACA.
“This action does not prejudice the outcome of the investigation and is a neutral act.
“As the investigation is ongoing we cannot prejudice the outcome by saying more about it at this stage.
“We want to conclude the investigation as soon as possible and while we are not able to give exact timings as to the likely conclusion date at this stage, we will do so as soon as this is possible.
“Students’ education is the prime concern of the governors and staff at PACA. All steps are being put in place to ensure that students’ learning is unaffected by this.
“Our sponsors, the Aldridge Foundation, have helped to arrange for Brendan Loughran, a very experienced principal from Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, will support the senior leadership team and teachers in Mr Fox’s absence and will be in the academy on agreed days during this period.”
An email sent to PACA staff on Friday read: “The meeting this afternoon is to discuss a leave of absence that has been agreed with James Fox.”
