Headmaster Julian Johnson-Munday of Culford School near Bury St Edmunds is absent and being supported by the school

The headmaster of an independent school in Suffolk is currently absent due to personal reasons.

Culford School, in Culford, near Bury St Edmunds, wrote to parents in January to inform them that headmaster Julian Johnson-Munday would be absent from the school for a short period for personal reasons.

Claire Bentley, head of prep and pre-prep, is deputising for him in his absence, supported by the deputy head, Dr John Guntrip, and the rest of the senior leadership team.

She wrote: “As always, the education and welfare of our pupils remains our first priority and I will be working closely with the team to ensure the smooth running of the school over this time.”

A spokesperson for Culford School said the matter surrounding the headmaster’s absence was private and he was being supported by the school during this time.

Chair of governors Air Vice Marshal Steven Abbott CBE JP wrote in a letter to parents, guardians, staff and Old Culfordians last month: “Firstly, you are aware that Julian Johnson-Munday is absent from school for personal reasons. This matter requires time and space to resolve and I can assure you that Julian is being supported during his absence.

“We are conscious of the impact such an absence can have and we have sought to put in place the necessary measures to ensure we continue to deliver the high quality educational, pastoral and cultural experience that is Culford's hallmark.”

In the same letter he announced his colleague Mark Donougher would lead the Culford Board of Governors forward as the next chair of governors.

He wrote: “I had informed my colleagues when reappointed as Chair in 2020 that I would not serve beyond August 2023. This will be after some fifteen years serving the Culford Board, including nine years in the Chair.

“The past fifteen years have seen the Head, Senior Leadership Teams and staff drive quite remarkable development and growth at Culford.”

The spokesperson for the school confirmed the chair of governors stepping down at the end of this year was not related to the headmaster being absent.