The executive principal of two Kent academies has resigned after being investigated by police.

Sean Heslop, who was executive principal of Folkestone Academy and the Marlowe Academy in Ramsgate, was suspended weeks ago pending an investigation.

Now the senior educational leader has quit his role amid a police investigation over allegedly abusing "a position of trust".

A statement released by the academies today said: "Governors can confirm that Sean Heslop has resigned his position as executive principal of Folkestone and Marlowe Academies, and the schools will continue to be led by their respective head teachers."

Parents were informed this afternoon when chair of governors Sir Roger De Haan sent a letter home.

But police today confirmed there were no updates on their investigation, which led to Mr Heslop's arrest.

The latest move follows months of speculation over Mr Heslop's future, and the nature of the allegations.

"An investigation is ongoing, the nature of which is confidential" - chair of governors Sir Roger De Haan

In April, a Kent Police spokesman confirmed: "On 31 March, police arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of abuse of a position of trust. He was later released on bail until 30 July pending further investigation."

Mr De Haan wrote to parents last month informing them Mr Heslop was under investigation.

The letter, which was posted to each parent, added that as a result of the investigation being launched Mr Heslop had been suspended.

But Mr De Haan said the nature of the investigation was confidential and would not be released.

He reassured parents things would continue as normal despite Mr Heslop’s absence.

He said: “An investigation is ongoing, the nature of which is confidential. We will inform you of an outcome to the investigation when we are in a position to do so.

“As you will appreciate we are not able to elaborate on the matter but on behalf of the Board of Governors, I want to reassure you that this has not interfered with and will not inhibit the good work going on at Folkestone Academy."

At the time, Ms Tait wrote to parents too, reassuring them Folkestone Primary Academy would run “as normal” with her leadership team of headteacher Louise Chantler and deputy Sarah Uden.

Since the academy opened in 2007, results at the former Channel School have improved drastically from being one of the worst performing schools in the country.

With brand new facilities in place, exam results improved every year and twice as many pupils now attend university when they leave the sixth form than when it first opened.

Mr Heslop, who joined Folkestone Academy in 2009 and became executive principal of the Marlowe Academy in November 2013, was formerly the head of Tiffin School, a boy’s grammar in Kingston, south-west London.

Shortly before he joined Folkestone Academy the school was embroiled in a financial saga when it was revealed the school’s £800,000 reserves were wiped out in four years.

The school was put under investigation but there is no indication at this stage whether Mr Heslop’s suspension is connected to affairs at Tiffin School.