Hundreds of school children face an uncertain future as their college is threatened with closure.

A damning Ofsted report means Seaford Head Community College has been placed in special measures and could close if it does not make a dramatic turnaround.

Pupils and parents were told of the crisis after the sudden departure last week of principal Robin Precey, who quit after telling colleagues it was time for a change of career.

At an emergency meeting of more than 500 parents on Tuesday, school governors and education staff broke the bad news to parents.

Roger Case, chairman of governors, said reactions had been mixed.

He said: "For many parents it all came as a surprise and many were shocked because they didn't recognise the college as the same one described in the Ofsted report. Parents were concerned about the future and what we are going to do to change it."

Although the final Ofsted report has not yet been published, inspectors revealed their findings to school staff and governors after the visit in January.

Criticism focused on the college's leadership and management, areas of the curriculum, relationship between the college and parents and a minority of trouble-making pupils.

The college has more than 1,400 pupils aged between 11 and 18.

Inspectors will recommend it be put into special measures to stop the rot and turn its fortunes around.

An action plan will be drawn up earmarking a list of improvements to be achieved within two years. According to Ofsted, a school that does not make acceptable progress could be closed by the Education Secretary.

Reports of bullying have also tarnished the college's reputation, with one parent comparing it to Beirut.

The college will be run by two temporary headteachers taking it in turns on an almost daily basis. After half-term, Peter Bratton will take the reins until a permanent replacement is found.

A school has stood on the site since the 19th Century, becoming a comprehensive in 1972. It gained community college status in 1993.