AN INVESTIGATION will be launched into recent events at Villiers High School as headteacher Juliet Strang takes a paid leave of absence.

Shahid Khan, chair of governors at the Boyd Avenue school, said he spoke to Ms Strang yesterday following chaotic scenes at the site last week.

Hundreds of students demonstrated after a member of staff was sacked and Ealing NUT threatened to strike over alleged mismanagement at the school.

And about 300 people attended a public meeting in Ramgharia Hall in Southall Broadway on Sunday where they were spoken to by several people including Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council.

Mr Khan said: " A number of concerns have been raised by different parties about matters at the school, these have been raised by the staff, by the trade unions, by the head, by governors, parents, other members of the local community and the local authority.

"In light of this, I will now commission a thorough investigation into the concerns that have been raised by all the different parties.

"I am in talks with the local authority about the appointment of a suitably qualified person to undertake this investigative role."

Mr Khan said he was concerned that the issue could affect the health and welfare of Ms Strang and it was agreed that she take a paid leave of absence effective from today.

Deputy headteacher Dave Curran is understood to be acting head at the school. Mr Khan said further management arrangements were underway.