Peter Lang, the principal of Uxbridge High School, has resigned.

His deputy, Judith Barton, has also quit. The news was relayed to parents and pupils in a letter from the chairman of governors, Peter Waine.

Getwestlondon.co.uk reported back in July that the pair were taking a leave of absence from the school in The Greenway, Uxbridge, which like all but a couple of former Hillingdon Council secondary schools now has academy status.

No reason has ever been given for the resignations, and the governors have said little since news broke that the former colleagues were away from the school, apart from brief statements, and a letter which went to parents as the new academic year began.

In a statement today (Monday, October 6), the school said: “We can confirm that Mr Peter Lang, principal, and Ms Judith Barton, vice-principal, have resigned from their posts at Uxbridge High School.

“Mr Nigel Clemens will continue in his role as acting principal and we are confident that he will ensure the continued success of the school whilst we appoint a permanent principal.”

The letter to parents shed little more light on the subject, referring obliquely to ‘management changes’.

“As you will be aware, there were recently some changes made to the management team at Uxbridge High School and we promised to update you as soon as more information became available,” it reads.

Confirming the resignations, and Mr Clemens’s appointment, it goes on: “Our priority is to enable our students to achieve their full potential and we are confident that Mr Clemens, with the support of our leadership team, will ensure the continued success of the school whilst we appoint a permanent principal.

“May I take this opportunity once more to assure you that we are dedicated to providing a secure and inclusive learning environment for all our students and we will keep you updated as soon as a permanent appointment is confirmed.

“Thank you for your continued support”.

Getwestlondon.co.uk has asked the school governors for an explanation surrounding the circumstances of Mr Lang and Ms Barton’s departure.

The Department for Education, to which the school now answers, has said it is a matter for the school.