ROGER Lock, the former headteacher of Marling School in Stroud who was dismissed recently, is to take his case to an employment tribunal.

At a hearing at Stonehouse Court Hotel on Friday, a panel of three governors dismissed Mr Lock's appeal against an earlier decision to dismiss him.

In a letter sent to parents on Monday, the grounds of Mr Lock's dismissal were said to be 'gross misconduct by bullying and harassment'.

Commenting on the decision, Mr Lock said: "I am naturally disappointed at the outcome after 30 years of service and an unblemished record with Marling and other schools.

"I have instructed my legal team to pursue a claim for reinstatement through the Employment Tribunal which will give an opportunity for the facts of the case to be aired in a public forum."

In a statement, John Gilbert, the new chairman of governors, said: “This brings to an end a difficult period and my priority now is to work with staff and governors to provide stability and reassurance to the school and its pupils.

"I am pleased to announce that Alyson Mills will continue to provide excellent leadership in her role as acting headteacher and in the autumn we will begin the recruitment process to find a new headteacher."

School governors also met on Monday to discuss whether they might be replaced by an interim executive after seven of the 22 expressed concerns over the way Mr Carmichael handled the matter.