THE headteacher of The Wensleydale School has left unexpectedly - a move which the Darlington and Stockton Times understands is linked to concerns about falling standards.

Parents were initially told Graham Parker was absent through illness, however the local authority and governors confirmed this week the head had decided to quit his job.

It is understood assistant headteacher Stuart Ash is also not currently at work and it is not clear if he will return.

An interim headteacher, Pete Whelan, has been appointed until the headteacher position can be filled permanently.

Mr Whelan will work with remaining senior staff including deputy head Andy Wilkinson and assistant head Mark Ashcroft.

It is understood the departure follows the publication of local authority internal reports which raised concerns about falling standards at the Leyburn school.

In 2014, the percentage of Wensleydale students achieving five or more A* to C GCSEs, including English and maths, was 59 per cent - down from 73 per cent in 2013 and 82 per cent in 2012.

North Yorkshire County Council said in a statement: "Mr Whelan is a highly experienced headteacher who has worked in a number of schools to take them forward and drive improvement until substantive headteachers are in place.

"The local authority and the governing body have made all arrangements to ensure the good management of Wensleydale School during the coming months and the crucial examination period."

The school has sent a letter to parents inviting them to attend a meeting on Monday, March 23 to meet Mr Whelan, other senior teachers, governors and senior representatives from the local authority.

Chair of governors, David Hartley, said: "This meeting will allow parents/carers to gain a better understanding of the workings of the school and the measures and systems that are in place to deliver the best possible outcomes for students."

County Councillor Arthur Barker, executive member for schools, added: "North Yorkshire County Council is committed to all children and young people across the region having access to the highest standards of teaching and learning and we work in strong partnership with our schools to this end.

“We understand that this must be an unsettling moment for Wensleydale School, and next week’s meeting is designed to assure parents and answer any questions.

"We can assure the community that the school is well supported to move ahead in the best interests of its students.”

The letter was attached to another from Mr Parker, which stated that he was sad to say he had taken the decision to leave the school, but did not include reasons for the decision.

Mr Parker ended the letter by thanking the dedicated and inspirational staff.

"I leave the school knowing it is in excellent hands," he added.

Mr Parker was appointed head in 2012 replacing Phil Benaiges.

Mr Benaiges had run the school since 2008, helping the school improve from being in special measures to winning awards for being in the top ten per cent of schools nationally for outstanding continuous improvement and outstanding student progress.