Parents are still in the dark as to why the headteacher of 16 years at Ottery Primary suddenly stepped down last week.

Nobody at the school would comment further on why Doug Rylance made the shock announcement he was leaving with immediate effect.

A letter was sent out to parents last Monday, written by chair of governors Nicholas Johnson, informing them of the head’s decision.

It read: “The governors have reluctantly accepted the resignation of Mr Rylance, who has resigned for personal reasons.

“All the governors would like to thank Mr Rylance for his commitment and dedication to the school over the past 16 years, during which time the school has gone from strength to strength.”

Mr Johnson said the headteacher was leaving Ottery Primary School with the modern building and facilities he worked so hard to bring to completion.

Since Mr Rylance’s resignation deputy head Mark Gilronan has becoming acting-headteacher, but this week he refused to comment on the departure of his predecessor.

And speaking yesterday, Mr Johnson reiterated only what appeared in last week’s letter.

He said: “As reported to staff and parents the reasons were personal, and there is nothing further that I can add.”

Devon County Council said they were informed of the decision, but that staffing issues were purely a matter for the school’s governors to decide upon.