THE headteacher of strike hit Brecon High School has been suspended, it has been confirmed.

Ingrid Gallagher is suspended with immediate effect, Powys County Council said on Friday, April 15.

The council said the suspension, which it called a 'neutral act', is to allow it to carry out an investigation into concerns raised at the school.

The 800 pupil comprehensive has been rocked by strike action with members of both the NASUWT and NUT teaching unions taking industrial action over a decision to axe two teachers through compulsory redundancy.

The suspension follows a meeting of the school's governing body and officers from the county council on Thursday, April 14. The school's current deputy head-teachers Vicky Prosser and Tracy Gibbs will jointly act up into the position of headteacher.

"Suspension is a neutral act and is not a disciplinary action against the headteacher. The action allows an investigation to be carried out into concerns that have been raised," said a spokesman for the county council.

Last week Paul Martin, the chair of the school's governors resigned his post, though he remains a member of the governing body.

County Councillor David Meredith, who has taken over as chair of governors, said it needs to 're-build confidence' in the school.

For more on this story see The Brecon & Radnor Express on sale from Wednesday, April 20.