A PRIMARY school headteacher has been suspended amid concerns over her leadership.

Michele Tracey, of St Peter’s School, Darwen, has been told not to return to the school pending a full investigation. Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education said the suspension was a neutral act which would allow a full investigation to take place.

Stunned parents were given letters announcing the decision but were still left asking questions over what had actually happened.

And councillors echoed the surprise, one saying Mrs Tracey had been a ‘smashing’ headteacher.

The letter, signed by chairman of governers Peter Jackson, said deputy headteacher Vicky Weddle had been placed in temporary charge of the school.

It read: “Due to operational and leadership concerns raised with the governors, the headteacher has been suspended pending an investigation.

“The suspension is not in relation to a child protection, safeguarding or financial issue.

“In the meantime school will continue to operate as normal and there will be no impact on children’s teaching and learning.”

Marsh House councillor Tom Evans, who has a son at the school and is a member of the PTFA, said: “I was not aware of any problems at the school and have never known anyone make any complaints.

“As a parent I have had no grievances about Mrs Tracey or the school.

“I don’t know what their problem is but she is very popular, especially with the children.”

Marsh House town councillor Simon Huggill said: “I have always had the greatest respect for Mrs Tracey.

“I have had dealings with her over getting the school gardens going and there were issues over parking. But she has always been smashing.”

Parents waiting to pick their children up at the school yesterday afternoon said they were shocked that Mrs Tracey had been suspended.

Denise Place, whose daughter is in Year Five, said: “If you go to her with any problems she is really good.

“It is strange. We were just speaking to her the day before and the next thing you know she had been suspended.”

Another parent said: “I was really shocked. I have never had any problems with her.

“I spoke to her on a couple of occasions and she has always been nice.”

At an inspection in October, Ofsted reported the school ‘required improvement’.

However, after a visit to check the school’s progress in December, inspectors noted an improvement as the school strived to reach ‘good’.

Inspector Eileen Mulgrew reported at the time: “Senior leaders and governers agree that the outcomes and priorities from the recent inspection are the correct ones to move the school to good.

“They have responded with suitable urgency and have taken immediate action.”

A spokesman for Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education said: “The suspension is a neutral act and will allow a full investigation to take place in the proper manner.

“In the meantime the school will continue to operate as normal and the Diocese, in close and constant discussion with the school governors, senior staff and the local education authority will advise on how the matter should be handled.”