Ryde Academy head Dr Rory Fox head leaves post

Rory Fox made national headlines for his strict uniform policies

A head teacher brought in to turn around a poorly performing academy school on the Isle of Wight has left his post, its sponsor has announced.

Dr Rory Fox made national headlines for his strict uniform policies and was criticised over comments about staff.

A letter to parents from Academies Enterprise Trust (AET) said he would "work on other projects".

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) said it would work to "rebuild Ryde Academy".

Dr Fox took over as head in 2013.

In June 2014, some pupils were sent home and others put into isolation over infringements of school uniform policy, sparking protests from parents.

In an Ofsted report published in November, Ryde Academy was rated as "requires improvement"

In a letter leaked by the NUT later in the year, he reportedly criticised teachers for engaging in union activities.

'Clear vision'

In an Ofsted report published in November, Ryde Academy was rated as "requires improvement" in all criteria. It had previously been rated as "inadequate".

The report said the management team was "effective" in improving the school.

"In the short time since his appointment, the principal has established a clear vision for the academy," the report said.

"He is a determined and capable leader who is very well supported by a new team of senior leaders."

Regional National Union of Teachers officer Patrick Ginnelly said: "Now is not the time to cast blame but to act to rebuild Ryde Academy.

"The National Union of Teachers believes in a good local school for every pupil and Ryde Academy can become this once again."

In a letter to parents, AET said Dr Fox would join the organisation's non-teaching central team in Essex.

Eric Jackson, currently executive principal at Sandown Bay Academy, is taking over the running of Ryde Academy until a replacement head is recruited.