A HEADTEACHER accused of using controversial methods to discipline troublesome pupils will not be returning to his job.

Stuart Livingstone had been suspended from Coppins Green school in Clacton since early November last year, when parents accused him of using inappropriate measures to deal with troublesome pupils.

He announced his departure through a newsletter handed out to parents on Wednesday.

In it, he wrote that he had decided to leave his post to explore other career opportunities.

He added: “I have found working at Coppins Green to be one of the most interesting and experiences of my career in education.

“I have great affection to may members of the whole school community, and I am proud of how Coppins Green has developed.”

His departures comes after complaints from parents about discipline methods used under his leadership, which included putting out-of-control children into a small room, which parents described as “a cupboard”.

The headteacher had said the space was a small room where hysterical kids could calm down in safety.

Governors said they were suspending Mr Livingstone and another staff member “as a precaution” late last year.

The other teacher, Mr Duffy, who was involved in disciplining pupils, was suspended at the same time as Mr Livingstone, but has since been allowed back to work.

Parent David Hawkins, of Melbourne Road, Clacton, who has a son at Coppins Green, commented: “I feel sorry for him – he has borne the brunt of it, and he had the best interests of the kids at heart from what I can see.

“My children were not the most model pupils and I have always found him quite approachable.

“Sometimes I didn't completely agree with his approach, but I think that he did a lot of good for the school.”

He criticised the way the governors' investigation had been handled, saying: “It has been dragged out, they have not really kept anyone informed of what was going on.”

School leaders also issued a statement on Wednesday, saying: “The governing body can confirm that Mr Livingstone will not be returning as the headteacher of Coppins Green Primary school.

“The past few months have been difficult for everyone concerned but we are looking to the future with optimism and would thank you for your continued support and understanding.”

The school will look to recruit a new headteacher, but for now it will stay under the control of the two deputy heads.