Parents have expressed concern after the deputy head teacher of a Bradwell primary school suddenly left his post.

Mums and dads with children at Woodlands Primary Academy said their children were sent home with a 'one line letter' last week stating that John Siddles had left to 'pursue interests elsewhere'.

His departure has sparked worries among parents but the head of the school said there was 'no story behind' him leaving.

One mum, who has two children at the Church Walk school, said there has been a lot of talk about Mr Siddles' leaving at the school gates.

The Bradwell mum, who asked not to be named, said: 'There's a lot of parents really concerned about it. The deputy head has just left, he's been there a really long time and is really well respected by the parents.'

She said another teacher had 'suddenly' left the school last year and complained that parents were not kept informed.

'Everyone's obviously speculating and really worried about why he's gone,' she added.

But head teacher Sheila Mercer stressed there was no other reason for Mr Siddles' leaving, and strongly denied claims he had been sacked.

'He's decided to pursue other career interests elsewhere and we have wished him all the very best and that's the story,' she added.

'There's nothing else I can add to that. If teachers decide they want to leave or move on I have to respect their wishes.'

Woodlands is one of three schools that was set to join the Creative Education Academies Trust (CEAT) at the end of last year. It was joining the trust with Lynn Grove High and Caister High.

CEAT currently sponsors eight schools and the three in the Great Yarmouth borough will be their first in Norfolk.