A BASINGSTOKE headteacher has resigned following claims that he sent emails to an escort using his work account.

As previously reported by The Gazette, David Nicholson, the headteacher of The Costello School, in Crossborough Hill was accused of sending an email to an escort saying, “I love this,”, when she suggested dressing up like a schoolgirl, later adding that he was “looking forward to putting u over my knee”.

Mr Nicholson joined the school last September and was also training to be an Ofsted inspector.

Since the allegations appeared in The Sun newspaper on March 17, Mr Nicholson, who refutes the claims, has not been in school after he was asked to leave by the chair of governors, Carol Bode.

Costello and education watchdog Ofsted launched investigations into the claims.

In a statement released today by Mrs Bode, she confirmed that the governors have accepted Mr Nicholson’s resignation and pupils and staff will continue to be led by the acting headteacher, Leigh Adams.

In the statement, Mr Nicholson said: “As I am sure you will understand, the recent press coverage has been highly distressing. Although I have been very grateful for the many messages of support and understanding, I have to put both the interests of my family and the school community first.

“It is therefore, with huge regret and disappointment that I have taken the very difficult decision to resign as headteacher of The Costello School.

“I have been very privileged to have served as headteacher of the school and proud of the opportunities I have set up. I wish all at the school every good fortune in the future.”

Mrs Bode said that there are no concerns relating to the safeguarding of pupils at the school, adding: “In the time David was with us, he worked tirelessly for the school and always with our students best interests at heart providing the school with clear leadership and direction and maintaining a tireless focus on their educational progress.

“We wish him well for the future. The Governing Body’s commitment remains to our students, staff and local communities.”

She added: “Please be assured that for the school it is “business as usual” and that our total focus is on our students, their learning and progress.

“The School is in the capable hands of Mr Leigh Adams, Acting Head Teacher and his senior leadership team, and all staff and students have responded magnificently over recent weeks.”