THE headteacher of Haddington's Knox Academy has taken a "period of leave" less than a week after pupils returned for the new term - and been temporarily replaced by North Berwick High School's headteacher.

North Berwick High School headteacher Lauren Rodger has been seconded to Knox "to lead and manage the school on an interim basis" after Knox's headteacher Sarah Ingham went on leave this week.

Parents were informed of the change by email yesterday but no further details have been disclosed as to the reasons behind Ms Ingham's absence - or any indication given when she will return.  

Fiona Robertson, East Lothian Council head of education, told North Berwick High School parents: "I am writing to advise you that Lauren Rodger, the headteacher of North Berwick High School, is being seconded to Knox Academy, Haddington, where she will lead and manage the school on an interim basis.

"This is due to the headteacher of Knox Academy currently being on a period of leave. In the meantime, to ensure high-quality learning and teaching continues to be provided to all pupils at North Berwick, a depute headteacher will be assuming the role of acting headteacher for this interim period."

Knox Academy came under fire earlier this year when a report by education inspectors said it needed to "revisit" its "vision and values" to ensure there is a "shared understanding of respect and the value of learning".

READ MORE: Knox Academy told to revisit values

Among measures taken following the critical report was the addition of an additional depute headteacher, Yvonne Binks, who was seconded to the school from Preston Lodge High School, Prestonpans. She has since returned to her own school.

Knox Academy was in the national spotlight last month when former pupil Emily Bowen was jailed for 21 months at Edinburgh Sheriff Court following an acid attack last September at the school which saw victim Molly Young suffer serious classroom injuries.

READ MORE: Schoolgirl left screaming from acid attack 

Bowen had poured drain cleaner into a viola case owned by her then fellow Knox pupil, which leaked onto Molly's leg and saw her suffer intense burns.