The interim headmaster called in to turn around beleagured JFS has left after less than half a term in charge, amid parental unrest over tough new disciplinary measures which one mother compared to an “army camp”.

Martin Tissot, chief executive of a Catholic multi-academy trust, had been expected to be leading JFS for a year.

But parents were told this week that he had returned to the trust and deputy head Paul Ramsey, who joined the school at the start of term, and Anna Joseph, would be acting heads until a permanent leader was appointed.

Andrew Moss, chairman of JFS, gave no reason for Mr Tissot’s exit but said they had been “fortunate” to receive his support. His involvement “was always intended to be an interim measure”, he added. The last permanent head, Rachel Fink, left at the end of May, a few weeks before the publication of an Ofsted report that highlighted failings in safeguarding and tackling poor behaviour.

Steps to improve behaviour had been introduced under ex-Ofsted head Sir Michael Wilshaw, who was drafted in as interim executive principal of JFS in June.

But in a letter to parents before the start of term, Mr Tissot sought to stamp his authority on the school, suspending use of lockers by pupils because some had been used inappropriately, and insisting that ties should be worn properly, with top buttons fastened.

In an anonymous Facebook post circulating this week, a person purporting to be a JFS mother compared the school to an “army camp” and said her children no longer wanted to attend.

Other parents told the JC that many agreed.

One even complained of a “sledgehammer attitude to discipline”.

A senior figure at the school acknowledged: “Trying to build a new vision and a new dawn can never happen overnight.” Mr Tissot was approached for comment.