Education officials have confirmed an investigation is under way at Castle Rushen High School.

The head teacher, Maria Tomaszewska (pictured), has been absent from her post since the new term began a week ago, and she will not be returning for the forseeable future.

In her absence, deputy headteachers Peter Teare and John Binns have been appointed joint acting heads.

Since term began a week ago, department officials have met frequently with the school’s senior staff. The department says it’s taken action in the best interests of pupils, parents, staff and the community, and to ensure an effective and efficient running of the school.

Three members of staff have been temporarily promoted to the rank of assistant head, to oversee the School Action Plan and to expedite the findings of the Special Inspection Report from earlier this year.

In that report, poor communication and lack of consultation between senior leaders and staff was highlighted.

The latest measures include a package of support from the department, offering both educational and financial backing, as well as regular monitoring and a review by the director and deputy director of education.

The department says Mrs Tomaszewska will not return to work until the investigation is over, which it describes as 'a precautionary and neutral measure'.