Ted Staunton, the head of school at Saltus, is to go on immediate medical leave owing to serious illness, the school’s board of trustees announced yesterday.

Mr Staunton, who is getting treatment in the United States, is expected to remain in convalescence through the end of this year.

In a letter to the school community, Mr Staunton said he was not in discomfort, but was “simply anxious to deal with it as soon as possible and then start my recovery process”.

“My treatment plan is still being finalised, but my doctors tell me it will take at least a couple of months.”

In his absence, deputy heads Jon Beard and Nicole Chichon will act as interim heads.