THE head teacher of a Southampton school is to step down.

Resigning from his position, Jonty Archibald of Regents Park Community College is to join a school in London after the Easter holiday break.

A letter has been sent out to parents, as the deputy head, Jim Henderson, also steps down for a new role.

It comes after a surprise Ofsted inspection, though Mr Archibald said he doesn't believe the new inspection would lower the school's current rating of 'good'.

The results from the inspection, which took place earlier this week, have yet to be published.

Having joined the school when it was in special measures from an inspection back in 2013, the most recent report now states the school as 'good'.

Mr Archibald said: "I handed in my resignation before Christmas and I'm joining Global Academy in London.

"I am sad to leave but I felt it time for a new challenge. We have 738 pupils here and the school is always growing, always improving.

"The staff are testament to that and hopefully will be reflected in the report."

"I am very proud of my work here. Samantha Barnes, the senior deputy head teacher, will be put in place in my position for at least a year in an interim position."

Although the inspection that took place this week is yet to be published, the most recent report said of the leadership team: "Leaders and managers provide strong and effective leadership, including in crucial areas such as teaching and the management of students' behaviour.

"This has led to rapid improvements, and provides persuasive evidence of the school's capacity to go further."

The head teacher has also stepped down from his role as chairman of of Southampton's Schools Forum.

John Draper, head teacher of Swaythling Primary School, was unanimously voted in on Wednesday afternoon to replace him.

The forum meets every couple of months and is made up of head teachers, governors and Southampton City Council officials and councillors.