The headteacher who backed plans to turn his school for vulnerable people into an academy has been made redundant.

Mark Whitby has been principal at the Alternative Centre for Education (ACE) since 2000.

However, Brighton and Hove City Council, which oversees the running of the school, has confirmed Mr Whitby will leave in August.

Earlier this month, The Argus reported Mr Whitby was considering applying for academy status for the school, whichsupportsupto 130 children.

This would free it from local authority control and allow the school to set its own curriculum for the youngsters, some of whom are excluded and others who have special educational behavioural needs.

The council’s Green administration is opposed to academies.

However, last night a council spokesman denied the quest for academy status was a reason for the decision.

He said it came after new national guidance meant the pupil referral unit element of ACE was put under the management of the council’s learning and partnership team and the city’s behaviour and learning partnership.

The local authority said this move narrowed the role of a principal so it had deleted it.

Acouncil statement last night said the school’s governing body was reviewing the management structure with suitable arrangements expected by the next academic year.