The former head teacher of the Community College Whitstable has settled a legal claim against the school after a five-month investigation.

Helena Sullivan-Tighe was suspended in November last year following an independent review of the struggling school’s performance.

She decided to leave the £85,000-a-year post earlier this week and her replacement started yesterday.

The position has been filled by Ana Gibson, an army reservist, who was chosen by the Swale Academies Trust as acting head teacher of Pent Valley technology college in June last year.

The Community College Whitstable accepted an invitation to join the trust in March.

It has been a difficult year for the school with Ms Sullivan-Tighe's suspension following “disappointing” exam results and Ofsted inspectors’ conclusion that the school “required improvement”.

The former head claimed she felt like the victim of a 'witch hunt' and lawyers on her behalf launched legal action against the school's governors and Kent County Council.

In a High Court writ they claimed her disciplinary process breached the terms of her employment contract because she had not been given specific details of the reason for her suspension.

But the fight has ended with all accusations and investigations being withdrawn as the school looks for a fresh start.

Kent County Council spokesman Murray Evans said: “Kent County Council and the Community College Whitstable’s governing body wish to clarify the position following settlement of a legal action brought by Ms Sullivan-Tighe.

“Ms Sullivan-Tighe’s suspension in November 2015 and subsequent disciplinary investigation have been withdrawn.

“We regret the impact these have had on her and thank her for her committed service to the college.”

Ms Sullivan-Tighe confirmed she had decided to leave her post of head teacher.

“I am very proud of what has been achieved at the college and for the wider community of Whitstable during my leadership," she said.

“I wish all associated with the college every success for the future.”