Mystery surrounds the sudden departure of St Ivo’s headteacher Mark Patterson.

The St Ives school confirmed today (Wednesday) that Mr Patterson, who only joined the school last September, has left by “mutual agreement”.

A spokesman said: “Mark Patterson has left the school by mutual agreement. The governing body wishes to thank him for all his work in the school and wish him well for the future.

“In the interim period we have asked Martin McGarry, deputy headteacher, to take on the role as acting headteacher while the governing body seeks to make an appointment.”

Mr Patterson joined St Ivo last year from Chesterton Community College after Howard Gilbert retired from his position after eight years at the school.

The foreign languages teacher was headteacher at Chesterton and previously deputy headteacher at a school in Essex.

After an inspection in May, Ofsted said St Ivo required improvement in the achievement of children and quality of staff. Inspectors, however, praised Mr Patterson, saying: “Dynamic leadership from the headteacher, ably supported by good governance and senior leaders, has reversed the decline in achievement very successfully.”

INFORMATION: Do you know why Mark Patterson has left St Ivo? Email The Hunts Post or call 01480 443472.