A headteacher who was investigated on allegations of assault is unlikely to be reinstated before the end of the summer term, it emerged today.

Police said yesterday they had dropped inquiries relating to Herstmonceux Primary School head Bridget Lawson.

She had been under investigation for allegedly assaulting classroom assistant Vicki Ede, 38, of Bodle Street Green, near Hailsham, following a heated row in the toilets of a hotel in December last year.

Police said they had found insufficient evidence against Mrs Lawson, 50, for action against her.

They have dropped their inquiries on Mrs Lawson, of Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, who has been on indefinite leave from the 200-pupil school.

But now Mrs Lawson faces an investigation by the East Sussex local education authority which is unlikely to be resolved before the summer.

The furore surrounding the tiny school has shocked the village.

Opinion is split on whether Mrs Lawson should return.

A petition has been raised by some parents in an effort to have her immediately reinstated.

However, others feel her position has become untenable and she should not return.