A school has written to parents updating them on the absence of its headteacher, who is on leave pending an investigation into student registration.

Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) sent parents and carers a letter yesterday to say principal James Fox would still be on leave while the outcome of an investigation into “the registration status of a small number of students at PACA” was concluded.

The letter, sent by chair of the board of governors Zenna Atkins, said Mr Fox’s deputy Neil Robinson was also absent because of illness.

The letter said: “Following our letter to you last month, as a governing body we wanted to update you further on the running of the academy in the continued absence of Mr Fox.

“Above all we want to reassure all parents that PACA continues to run well and that we have benefited enormously from the interim leadership arrangements which have been put in place.

“As you may be aware we have secured the support of Mr Peter Marchant, who is the senior deputy at BACA.

“Mr Marchant has stepped in as executive director of the school and is running the school on a day-to-day basis.

“He is hugely experienced and is adding valuable leadership, direction and guidance to the school and some of you will have met him at our recent open events.

“He is of course still being supported with advice and guidance from Brendan Loughran, the most experienced Aldridge academy principal, and by the senior and middle leaders at PACA, all of whom are working tirelessly to ensure your children continue to receive a very high quality education.

“A number of parents have asked for clarity regarding the nature of the investigation.

“As the investigation is still ongoing I am afraid I cannot yet give you any further details and I can only repeat what has already been said, that the matter under investigation relates to the registration status of a small number of students.

“However I can confirm that it is our intention to bring the investigation to a close at the beginning of November, after which governors will review the findings.

“At the outcome of the investigation, the fullest possible explanation will be given to all parents.

“A number of you have also asked about the absence of Mr Robinson, deputy principal.

“I would like to clarify that Mr Robinson’s absence is due to ill-health and it is hoped he will be well enough to return to work in the near future.

“Thank you again for your ongoing support.”