FELIXSTOWE: An investigation into allegations against three staff at a troubled Felixstowe high school is continuing – but all those suspended are remaining tight-lipped.

An external consultant has been called in to Orwell High School, Maidstone Road, to carry out the inquiry, which centres on the behaviour of headteacher Peter Tomkins, 43, director of corporate services Jackie Spillane, 39, and IT manager Brian Wadsworth.

Miss Spillane said yesterday that neither she nor Mr Tomkins had any comment to make about the matter.

They are both being supported by the Association of School and College Leaders but the union also said it had no further comment to make at this stage.

Mr Wadsworth has taken legal advice and said he would be fighting to clear his name.

Mystery still surrounds the allegations which have been made against the three staff.

Suffolk County Council officials says the consultant carrying out the investigation will make a report directly to the chairman of governors, John Barker.

“There is no specific timeframe set for the investigation; however, it will be completed as soon as possible,” said a spokesman.

All three will remain suspended from their jobs while the investigation takes place.

Letters have been sent out to parents of students at the 830-pupil school to inform them of the situation.

Do you have any views on secondary education in Felixstowe and Orwell in particular? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk