An inquiry has been launched by East Sussex education chiefs at high-performing Herstmonceux primary school.

Council officials are leading the investigation following concerns from some school governors.

The Argus understands the concerns centre on the management style at the school.

Officials have interviewed members of staff, governors and parents at the 202-pupil school in Hailsham Road, Herstmonceux, near Hailsham.

However, some fear the inquiry will not be comprehensive because staff and governors who have quit are not being quizzed.

It is understood there are concerns from some parents that the high turnover of teaching staff will lead to levels of impressive attainment dropping.

Bridget Lawson, headteacher at Herstmonceux for about seven years, has been on sick leave and was unavailable for comment. It is believed she returned to work yesterday.

The council insisted no formal allegations of bullying against the head or other senior teachers had been made, saying a review was being conducted.

Mrs Lawson has been credited for helping to reverse the school's once-ailing fortunes.

She has managed to transform it from an underachiever to the top of the primary school league table in East Sussex in 2000.