A SEARCH is under way for a new head for troubled Holywells High in Ipswich, after the surprise withdrawal of the man governors appointed. Suffolk County Council said Michael Kee will not now be joining the school in September.

A SEARCH began today for a new head for troubled Holywells High in Ipswich, after the surprise withdrawal of the man governors appointed.

Suffolk County Council said Michael Kee will not now be joining the school in September.

He had been due to start as acting head for two terms, after moving from his job at 1,000-pupil Robert Manning Technology College in Bourne, Lincolnshire.

Earlier this month chairman of governors at Holywells Chris Jowett told parents at a special meeting that Mr Kee had a 'proven track record.'

But a council statement said today: "There has been a certain amount of unfavourable media interest in Mr Kee in his previous authority, and the understanding that this could put Holywells in the spotlight during its recovery period, has led to this decision.

"This is a view fully supported by Mr Kee."

The news comes after the Evening Star asked detailed questions about Mr Kee's past.

David Peachey director of education said: "We have a number of options to consider now about the future leadership of the school and I can assure pupils and parents that alternative arrangements will be in place by the start of term.

"We are not prepared to take any risks with the recovery plan for Holywells.

"We are disappointed that Mr Kee will not be joining the staff at Holywells. He had useful experience and knowledge that he would have brought to leadership of the school, to complement the skills of its very capable senior management team."

The statement adds: "The governors of Holywells and the Education Department were fully informed of Mr Kee's background, with appropriate enquires being made of Mr Kee's former employers.

"His successful leadership of a large community school in Lincolnshire, and the skills he has used since in helping other schools in difficulties were such as to satisfy those involved that he was well qualified to be able to play a part in the leadership of Holywells."

Current acting head Mike Moran is to become associate head in September.

Holywells, in Lindbergh Road, has been blighted by controversy since it was put on special measures because it was seen to be failing pupils after a Government inspection, but there is a huge action plan to bring it into high standards.