The headteacher of an academy which was criticised following a confidential pilot Ofsted inspection has gone on sick leave.

Acle Academy parents were told on Monday that it was not known when Tim Phillips would return, and the school has restructured its senior leadership team and brought in outside help as it tries to address its weaknesses.

The inspectors' visit to Acle Academy on May 19-20 was part of Ofsted's preparations for a new, light-touch inspection regime for schools rated 'good'.

Feedback after the inspection said it would have a received a mix of 'inadequate' and 'requires improvement' grades, but because it was not an official inspection, the school has retained its 'good' Ofsted rating.

This week's letter said rumours that Mr Phillips has 'left the school', 'been pushed' or 'put on gardening leave' were untrue, and continued: 'Tim Phillips is still the headteacher of Acle Academy. However, he is currently away from school on sick leave and we are unsure how long this will last'.

It also said the school is bringing in outside support in the form of Richard Woolf, who will act as a part-time associate head, while a new member of the sleadership team will focus on the achievement of pupils from poorer backgrounds who are eligible for the pupil premium.

Chair of governors Roger Timms said Mr Woolf had been brought in through Norfolk County Council's Norfolk to Good and Great scheme, and he 'will be with us while Mr Phillips is away from school'.

The school previously said its expected its next formal inspection to come between now and September.

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