MARK Stenton has left his job as headteacher at Trowbridge's Clarendon Academy.

The move follows the school's joining the Acorn Education Trust, which runs several schools in the Warminster area,  on Saturday, September 1.

Mr Stenton was at Clarendon last month when he congratulated pupils on A levels and GCSE results, and was expected to be there when term began  for pupils today. A statement posted on the school's website broke the news to parents, saying that Mr Stenton has decided to leave Clarendon to 'pursue his passion in supporting other secondary schools around the country.'

The former deputy head of Kingdown School in Warminster, Rob Price, will take up the role of acting headteacher at Clarendon.

Sara Edwards, CEO of the Acorn Education Trust, posted: "Mr Price has a wealth of experience in school leadership. He moves from Kingdown school in Warminster, where he held the role of Deputy Head for the past four years.

"Previous to this, Mr Price was an Assistant Headteacher and a Head of English. Mr Price has taught in schools in Bath and Wales as part of his 18 years in education.

"Mr Price is a family man, married to Liz and they have 2 children aged six and four.

"Mr Price is passionate about education and is excited about leading the Clarendon community forward and creating an excellent learning environment for the students here."

"Parents with questions about the sudden change of leadership are told they are welcome to contact the school.

"Mr Price will introduce himself more fully in time, but please do feel free to contact the school if you have any questions."