A RESPECTED headteacher has been suspended from work following an allegation made against him by one of his pupils. Ian Poulter was suspended from his duties at the Alderman Blaxill School in Paxman Avenue, Colchester after the alleged recent incident.

A RESPECTED headteacher has been suspended from work following an allegation made against him by one of his pupils.

Ian Poulter was suspended from his duties at the Alderman Blaxill School in Paxman Avenue, Colchester after the alleged recent incident.

Details of the allegation have not been made public but it was confirmed yesterday that a “thorough investigation” would be carried out.

Mr Poulter was suspended from his duties on Friday evening and staff and the 550 pupils were told of the development on Monday.

Letters explaining his suspension have been sent to all parents.

Those with questions about the developments have been told they can phone the school with any queries or concerns.

Essex County Council said yesterday that Mr Poulter's suspension was an entirely normal step to take in such circumstances.

A spokesman confirmed the allegation had been made but said details of the individual pupil were not available.

Essex Police said yesterday they had not been involved in the case.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “We can confirm that following receipt of an allegation against Mr Poulter it has been necessary to suspend him from his duties.

“This is an entirely normal step to take in such circumstances and a thorough investigation will be carried out.

“We must stress that no judgements have been made regarding the allegation and we can confirm that the school is following all appropriate procedures.

“Until further notice the two deputy-head teachers at the school will be responsible for the day to day running of Alderman Blaxill and will deal with any matters which would normally be the responsibility of the headteacher.”

He added that there was not a fixed time period for the inquiries, but that a proper investigation had to take place.

Alderman Blaxill describes itself as a “small, growing, friendly” school for 11 to 16 year-olds.

It states: “We pride ourselves on creating a community atmosphere within the school in which staff, students, parents and governors work together closely, for the benefit of our students.”

The school has a high intake of children whose parents are in the military and Mr Poulter is the chairman of the Colchester based National Association for State Schools for Service Children.

He has been headteacher at Alderman Blaxill since 2002 and previously worked at the Burnt Mill School in Harlow.