The senior deputy head of the Weald of Kent Grammar School in Tonbridge has taken on the role of acting head after a devastating Ofsted report earlier this week downgraded the previously rated Outstanding school to Requires Improvement.

Most worryingly for parents, Ofsted inspectors specifically referred to continued reports of bullying at the school - 11 months after a former pupil took her own life.

A message from the chairman of the school governors, Antonia Rubin, was vague as to the fate of the head teacher, Elizabeth Bone, saying only that she was "currently not in school."

Mrs Rubin said her intention was not to come across as vague, but that her first priority was to ensure the continued smooth running of the school.

She said: "We understand that there are concerns about the recent Ofsted report and we will be ensuring that positive change is put in place so that every student thrives."

The school is two weeks before the end of the summer term.

Ofsted reported that a "significant number" of students were concerned about bullying at the school and the inspectors said: "Many pupils do not feel able to talk to adults in school about their worries."

It was the first Ofsted inspection since the Weald of Kent became an academy in February 2011. The school has a satellite provision in Sevenoaks.

In August last year, a 16-year-old student, Taliyah Dahdi, from Hildenborough took her own life and at her inquest the coroner heard that she had suffered social isolation and bullying at the school.

Ofsted said the the school leaders’ approach to tackling bullying "was not sufficiently strategic or urgent."

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Mrs Rubin told parents: "I want to reassure all parents and carers that the Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring that our school is doing the very best for all students, staff and parents and we have taken on board all feedback. We will be sharing plans as soon as possible on how we are looking to make positive changes in light of the recent Ofsted report to ensure that every student feels happy and safe at school, whilst achieving their full potential."