THE HEADTEACHER of an exclusive preparatory school near Wotton-under-Edge has left his post with immediate effect.

Peter Platts-Martin has departed from Rose Hill School in Alderley after a disagreement with the school's governors over future plans.

The school has been guarded over the exact reasons for the ending of Mr Platts-Martin's tenure but have released what they describe as an agreed statement.

Chairman of governors at Rose Hill, Conor Maxwell, told the Gazette: "I can confirm that following a difference of views between the governors and the headmaster Peter Platts-Martin, relating to the vision and future direction of the school, the governors have asked him to step down with effect from the end of this term.

"Mr Platts-Martin has reluctantly agreed to do so."

The departure has already taken effect and on Wednesday Mr Platts-Martin was at the school to take his remaining belongings back to his family's home near Bideford, Devon.

He was not available to comment further on the agreed statement.

However, Mr Maxwell did add that the governors were grateful for Mr Platts-Martin's work while at the helm.

"Peter and his wife Abigail have worked extremely hard for us all during their time at Rose Hill," he said.

"The governors thank them for their contribution and we wish them well for their future."

Mr Platts-Martin took over as headteacher at Rose Hill in September 2002 and has overseen a number of significant changes in that time.

On the positive side, February saw the completion of the school's all weather multi-sports pitch, but rumours of unrest have dogged the school as well after around 15 teachers left in the first two years of Mr Platts-Martin's reign.

There has also been a drop in pupil numbers in the time since he took over.

Mr Maxwell would not discuss anything else relating to the departure and instead said that the school was looking to the future.

He said: "Paul Cawley-Wakefield, one of our deputy headteachers, has now been appointed as acting head of the school.

"The governors will now look to find someone to fill the post permanently."