Education bosses have denied rumours that a grammar school’s head teacher has been suspended.

Maureen Wolloshin, who took over at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls in Buckland Road, Maidstone, in April last year, has been absent since the school returned from half term for “personal reasons”.

Mrs Wolloshin took over from long-serving head Mary Smith, who retired after 38 years in teaching and eight years at the school. Rumours have also been circulating that a number of the senior management had left the school or resigned.

But Kent County Council has denied the suggestions. A spokesman said: “Staff turnover is not higher than would be expected and certainly it is untrue that all the senior leaders have left.

“The head teacher of MGGS, Mrs Wolloshin, is currently away from school for personal reasons. At present we are unable to say when she will be returning and ask that her privacy is respected at this time,” adding: “The deputy head teacher, Miss Stanley, is deputising in her absence with support from the county council and governing body.”

Mrs Wolloshin joined MGGS from Dane Court Grammar School in Broadstairs.