Oldfield School head teacher Kim Sparling is on sick leave and her deputy Matthew Woodville has taken on the job in her absence.
Speculation had been growing about Mrs Sparling's whereabouts after a BBC Radio Bristol interview yesterday when chair of governors Stuart Weatherall declined to comment on who was currently running the school.
However, today he posted a message on the school's website confirming that the under fire head teacher is off work.
His letter to parents and staff said: "You may be aware that the head teacher, has been away from the school due to sickness.
"During her absence the deputy head teacher, Matthew Woodville, will continue as acting head teacher.
"He has my full confidence, as do the remainder of the school's senior leadership team and staff."
It is understood that Mrs Sparling, whose leadership is being investigated by a team of officials from the Department for Education and the Education Funding Agency, has not been in school for more than a week.
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