THE headteacher of an ‘outstanding’ Andover junior school has resigned with immediate effect and little explanation.

Tom Donohoe had been headteacher of Anton Junior School for around 15 years, but last week parents were told that the praised and award-winning teacher would not be returning.

In a six-line letter to parents, pupils and friends of the school, chair of governors David Liversidge said: “I want to inform you of the decision of Mr Donohoe to resign as headteacher of the school with immediate effect.

“I know this will come as a surprise to you all, as it did to the governing body.

“The governing body is now working with Hampshire County Council senior school managers to put in place a leadership team for the coming school year and will continue to keep you informed during the final weeks of this term.

“For the remainder of the summer term, Mrs [Nicola] Wells will act as the headteacher.”

Parents have told the Advertiser an investigation is being conducted by Hampshire County Council into the departure of Mr Donohoe, but when approached, the authority refused to comment specifically.

Instead, a council spokesman said: “We can confirm that Mr Donohoe has resigned from his post as headteacher of Anton Junior School.

“We are unable to comment on the reasons for his resignation, which is being managed by the school’s governing body.”

The school said it “could not make any comment publicly”.

In 2011 Mr Donohoe was given a Pride of Andover award for Fundraiser of the Year, with judges saying that he went the “extra mile” with his efforts.

At the time it was said: “Tom works tirelessly to raise money for the school and for local communities to use the school facilities.”

However, Mr Donohoe added that staff should share the recognition: “It was a team effort and couldn’t have been done without everybody.

In 2015 Mr Donohoe helped make Anton a National Support School, after he had worked as an Ofsted inspector and a National Leader of Education.