A Sevenoaks prep school has suspended its head teacher amid an investigation into "management issues".

St Michael's in Otford confirmed today a probe is underway after a message from school leaders to parents was shared with KentOnline.

The correspondence did not reveal the nature of the accusations against Jill Aisher, only that they are not criminal or to do with safeguarding.

Parents were told that governors have been made aware of "allegations which require investigation" and so the head had been suspended "to ensure a fair process both to her and all involved".

The message went on to say the probe is expected to finish before Christmas and describes the suspension as "a neutral act".

However, parents of pupils at the school, which charges up to £4,945 a term for lessons, have expressed frustration at the lack of clarity about the reasons for the decision being made.

One said: "We pay thousands of pounds in school fees yet we are being told that we are not allowed to ask why our head teacher has been suspended."

"We very much hope to resolve this quickly and will keep parents updated as soon as we are able" - St Michael's Prep School

A school statement said: “We can confirm that there is an investigation currently under way to explore fully a number of concerns that have been raised.

"These are management issues, and we have stressed to parents that they do not involve any safeguarding or financial concerns.

"We very much hope to resolve this quickly and will keep parents updated as soon as we are able.

"In the meantime, St Michael’s is continuing to provide an exceptional education to all of our pupils and the leadership team and governors are working together to minimise any disruption.”

A spokeswoman for the school - which boasts "some of the finest facilities in Kent" across its 90-acre site - declined to make any further comment on the investigation.

Mrs Aisher is described on the school's website as having more than 30 years' experience as a teacher and 28 in leadership roles across schools, having worked with children from nursery age to those preparing for Oxbridge entry.

An attempt to contact Mrs Aisher has been made.

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