MYSTERY surrounds the absence of a West Somerset head teacher from his school.

Last Thursday, a letter was sent to parents of the Quantock Academy about its executive head Ian Bradbury.

The academy is made up of Danesfield Academy and St Peter’s School in Williton along with Old Cleeve School in Washford.

The letter, from chair of govenors Cerys Randell said the the board wanted to make parents aware that ‘Mr Bradbury is currently absent from work’.

No explanation was given regarding his absence and the letter went on to say that for reasons of confidentiality details of individual employees and their circumstances are not discussed.

There has also been no update on the incident at Danesfield on Monday March 3 when it was alleged that a teacher taped up the mouths of pupils.

The teacher concerned was suspended pending an investigation and Mr Bradbury told parents that the matter would be concluded at the ‘earliest opportunity’.

One parent who wished to remain anonymous said: “There are a lot of rumours going around about the situation.

“Even though we were sent a letter last week saying Mr Bradbury is ‘absent from work’, this is very poor as there is no indication as to why he is absent and if and when he will return.

“As a parent with a child at one of the schools, I feel like we should be kept informed more to stop any unnecessary rumours and worries.

“I’m also concerned because Danesfield School is now two teachers down.”

West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger said: “I’m sure Mr Bradbury and the governors are working together to get any issues resolved as quickly as possible.

“We all have the children’s best interests at heart and want what is best for them.”

Despite asking, an answer was not forthcoming about how long Mr Bradbury had been absent from school but the County Gazette understands it is since before Easter.

While Mr Bradbury is absent, associate headteacher of the academy Dan Perry is overall in charge with Danesfield deputy headteacher Nigel Johnson supporting.