Bury St Edmunds All-Through Trust announces Tollgate Primary School headteacher Claire Bates 'will not be returning'

The Bury St Edmunds All-Through Trust has announced that the headteacher of Tollgate Primary School will 'not be returning' after a period of absence.

A letter sent to parents yesterday by Chris Pamplin, the trust's chair of governors, said that Claire Bates, who has been headteacher at the school for two years, has 'decided to move out of the area' and 'will not be returning as the headteacher'.

Mr Pamplin said: "We thank Mrs Bates for her contribution to the school and wish her all the best in the future."

He added that Hannah Brookman, who was Mrs Bates' deputy, will continue to act as headteacher until the trust finds a permanent replacement.

The recruitment process will start immediately.