Update April 2016: John Martin and the other teacher involved returned to the school after it was found there had been no wrongdoing.

THE SUSPENDED headteacher of Oldbury College of Sport has spoken out for the first time about the school’s future.

John Martin, who along with deputy headteacher Craig Moreton, has been suspended since May after an alleged head-butting incident which also led to the chair of governors Sally Harvey to temporarily stand down.

The headteacher described the situation as an “enormously challenging and difficult period for the school” but claimed a bright future under academy status is assured.

Last week the News reported that 135 staff had signed an open letter to Sandwell Council demanding the two month investigation is completed to end the uncertainty surrounding the school.

The staff claimed that the two suspended teachers have their support and stakeholder groups including pupils and parents have voiced support as well.

In a letter to the News Mr Martin refuted the school is rudderless, despite him, his deputy and the chair of governors being unable to carry out their duties, and praised the remaining staff to the hilt.

He said: “As the headteacher I drew exception to the description of the school currently being "rudderless" due to the temporary absence of some key members of staff.

“I find it quite insulting to describe the school as rudderless, ie directionless, aimless drifting with no evidence of purpose or goal.”

He added: “Whilst this is clearly an enormously challenging and difficult period for the school there can be little doubt that this will continue to be an excellent school (in fact described as an outstanding school by OFSTED less than five months ago), that has admirably risen to the challenge of the loss of a senior member of staff, the chair of governors and myself over the past few months.“ He said: “As ever, the leadership team and the entire workforce continue to offer 100 per cent commitment and endeavour and stubbornly refuse to stand still and have worked tirelessly to continue with the upward momentum of the school.

“Despite the shortage of capacity, exciting appointments have been made, a £20m new build continues to progress without disruption to the quality of education offered and, importantly, the school continues its quest to secure more autonomy and independence from the local authority through its academy conversion.“ Mr Martin, who has been credited for transforming the fortunes of his schools, stressed the importance of the next term to the future of the school.

He said: “The forthcoming term will be a significant one as the leadership team and staff, both teaching and support, take advantage of the new opportunities on offer through its academy status.

This year’s results will, I am confident, be our best ever and this is due to the care, attention to detail and high quality strategy that the school has adopted to ensure all students maximise their potential.”

He added: “I for one am very proud to be associated with such a progressive and successful school, as I am sure governors, parents and students are too.”