Matthew Slater, the headteacher of Kantor King Solomon High School in Redbridge, has been absent from the school since early this month.

In a letter sent to parents on the eve of Succot, the chairmen of governors, Stephanie Sollosi and Richard Burack, said he was “on leave of absence for personal reasons and we hope you will understand that, at this time, it is not possible for the governing body to know when we expect his leave of absence to end”.

They promised to “keep you up to date as often as we can”.

Hannele Reece, the deputy head, has taken on the role as acting head in the meantime.

The governors stated they were “determined to minimise any uncertainty for students and/or families while Mr Slater is absent and we think this is best done by ensuring that it continues to be 'business as usual' here at Kantor King Solomon.”

Mr Slater, who was once praised by then Prime Minister David Cameron for his skills as a turnaround head, joined KKS in spring 2015 after a period of uncertainty at the school.

He said at the time "I'm the fourth substantive person to be headteacher in as many years. It needs certainty and long-term security. My intention is to stay here for as long as I can."

A year after his arrival, the school received a "good" classification from Ofsted.