The headteacher at The Purcell School in Bushey has resigned his post.

Peter Crook stood down on Tuesday and Paul Elliott was installed by governors as acting headmaster at the Aldenham Road school.

Parents at the school have been notified of the change by email.

In a statement Roy Cervenka, Purcell’s chairman of governors, said: “Peter Crook has decided to resign from the Purcell School with immediate effect.

“The governors understand this reasoning and thank him for all the work he has done in the four years he has been headmaster.

“The governors have appointed Paul Elliott as acting headmaster and will in due course be seeking to appoint a long term successor.”