The head teacher of the Community College Whitstable has been suspended following a review of the troubled school’s performance.

Helena Sullivan-Tighe was hauled before the governing body and relieved of her duties while an independent investigation into her future within the £85,000 post is carried out.

Parents were told of her suspension in a letter sent home by the school’s chair of governors, Clarissa Williams.

Recent poor exam results and “ongoing concerns” are cited as reasons for last month ordering an independent review of the school, which in March was rated as “requiring improvement” by Ofsted.

Provisional GCSE tables for this year show just 28% of pupils achieved five grades at A* to C, including maths and English, compared to 39% in 2014.

The letter to parents explained: “As a consequence of the report’s findings, governors have considered further action they feel is necessary to support the College in raising achievement for all students.

"While the investigation takes place Mrs Sullivan-Tighe will be on a period of suspension from her duties as head teacher which will allow her to fully participate in the investigation process..." - chair of governors Clarissa Williams

“While the investigation takes place Mrs Sullivan-Tighe will be on a period of suspension from her duties as head teacher which will allow her to fully participate in the investigation process.

“Both the governing body and Mrs Sullivan-Tighe will focus their attention on bringing the investigation to a timely conclusion.”

In 2011 Mrs Sullivan-Tighe oversaw an £18 million redevelopment of the school, which has almost 800 pupils on its roll.

Its governing body is now looking to appoint a temporary executive head teacher to lead the school forward.

Mrs Williams added: “I can assure you we have not taken this decision lightly and have done so in the very best interests of our students.

“The governing body is committed to working with the head teacher, staff, local authority and executive head teacher to bring about improvement and we will ensure over the coming weeks you as parents and carers will be kept informed of changes and progress as they come about.”