The third senior leader of Lowestoft College has left their post after it was announced today that vice principal Phillip Belden is to stand down after five years in the role.

Mr Belden, who was responsible as vice principal for curriculum and standards, said he is leaving Lowestoft College to pursue opportunities in the offshore and engineering sectors.

He said: 'I would like to thank the students, staff and governors at Lowestoft College for all the support I've been given during my time here.

'I'm extremely proud to have been able to lead or contribute to the many successful outcomes that have been achieved during this time, especially in the growth of the commercial sector work across the college's curriculum.'

In July it was announced Mr Belden, fellow vice principal Teresa Miller, and college principal Simon Summers had agreed to go on temporary leaves of absence with immediate effect to allow a confidential internal process to be carried out.

Then Mr Summers announced he was to stand down after four years as principal and Ms Miller said she was taking early retirement after five years as vice principal for corporate resources.

The announcement that the three college leaders were taking temporary leaves of absence followed an external consultant's report that concluded the college was not implementing improvements fast enough after an Ofsted inspection last June, which said it needed to take action to improve.

Jo Pretty is the college's interim principal, having been assistant principal under Mr Summers.