A SCHOOL less than two months out of special measures has received a hammer blow after its new headteacher refused to take his post just days before he was due to start.

Education bosses today revealed that prospective head teacher of Darwen Moorland High School, Mike Danvers, will not be taking up his post at the school due to a "change in personal circumstance".

Darwen councillor and school shadow governor Roy Davies said this was the second blow to the Holden Fold school in so many months after seven teachers were axed in March just days after government inspectors declared it was no longer failing its pupils.

He hit out at Mr Danvers and said that this "break in continuity" in the school's leadership could have a negative impact on the school and its pupils.

Mr Danvers was due to start on Monday morning and parents were informed through the post on Saturday that he would not be taking control of the school. Mr Danvers' name plate was also taken down from the headmaster's office door.

Chris Morris, who, as school improvement officer, worked closely with the previous head teacher Gareth Dawkins to bring the school out of special measures, will become acting head teacher from next Monday.

Peter Morgan, director of children's services at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "I am confident that we have a strong leader in Mr Morris to provide continuity and to take the school forward by continuing the improvement already made by the school.

"Mr Danvers has stressed that his decision is in no way a reflection on the staff, governors, the council or, above all, on the children.

"He believes the school will continue to improve over the next few years and regrets that he cannot be part of this exciting journey."

The decision to appoint Mr Morris as acting head teacher was taken after consultation with the chairman of the shadow governing body and the interim executive board.

But Coun Davies said: "I am disappointed that after going through the entire selection process Mr Danvers has not turned up."

The school was placed in special measures in February 2004 after Ofsted inspectors raised serious concerns about pupil attainment and leadership at the school.

But under Mr Dawkins' leadership the number of pupils achieving five A to C grades rocketed from 22 per cent to 35 per cent.