THE principal of Bournemouth Collegiate School has resigned from his position because of critical health issues in his family in South Africa.

Parents of pupils at the school were told on Friday that Stephen Duckitt had taken the “sad but understandable” decision to stand down.

The school is now looking for a new head but in the meantime vice principal Maria Coulter will be acting head.

A joint letter from United Learning’s chief executive Jon Coles and chair of governors Nina Dunne said: “We would like to thank Stephen for his unrelenting enthusiasm, commitment and drive and wish him and Hilde every success in the future.

“Under his leadership, BCS has grown into a successful and popular local school. Stephen’s enthusiasm, initiative and drive have been particularly important as BCS has become a strong local school and well-established as a boarding school.

“Stephen would like to thank all the parents, staff and pupils for their enormous support during his time at the school.”

Bournemouth Collegiate has a prep school in Poole and a senior school in Southbourne.