A HEADTEACHER last night spoke of his shock at being suspended from his school, saying it happened without warning.Russell Moon, headteacher of Philip Morant school, Colchester, found out he had been suspended when the chair of governors, Geoff Davison, put a note through his door one evening two weeks ago.

A HEADTEACHER last night spoke of his shock at being suspended from his school, saying it happened without warning.

Russell Moon, headteacher of Philip Morant school, Colchester, found out he had been suspended when the chair of governors, Geoff Davison, put a note through his door one evening two weeks ago.

Mr Moon has been banned from the school while governors investigate a number of allegations made against him, which have not been made public.

In September, Mr Moon took a year's secondment from the school, one of the best in Colchester, to head up a project to create a global network of schools for iNet . He was offered the job permanently in January but he turned it down because he wanted to return to Philip Morant.

Last night, Mr Moon said: "I was very shocked to be suspended without warning by Mr Davison, the chair of governors, in a letter that he put through my door one evening two weeks ago.

"My professional advisers are dealing with the appropriateness of the decision to suspend, the manner of the suspension and the allegations made, the accuracy of which are yet to be determined.

"I look forward to hearing precisely what the allegations are and to being given the opportunity to respond to them.

"I have been told that an investigation is being carried out, that the suspension is a neutral act, which implies no wrong doing on my part, and it would not be professional for me to comment further at this time."

Mr Moon said: "I am now even more conscious of the concerns of Charles Clarke, the former Secretary of State for Education, who said: 'I am very much aware of the devastating effect that false or unfounded allegations can have on a teacher's health, family and career. The length of time it takes to investigate all allegations and the surrounding publicity can make its impact so much more severe'."

He added: "In the meantime, I wish everyone at the school success in ensuring that Philip Morant continues to offer the highest standards of education and care to every student.

"I have been very grateful for the kind support I have received at this difficult time and look forward to returning to my school as soon as possible."

Mr Davison last night did not wish to comment.

Philip Morant has such a good reputation parents move house to be in its catchment area. Mr Moon became head in 1998. Under his headship, the school has become a specialist technology college, re-established a sixth form and gained an outstanding Ofsted report.