AYLESTONE High School is still without a head teacher after the proposed principal turned down the job at the last minute.

Alan Klee, who held discussions to take up the post in the New Year, cited personal reasons behind his decision to reject the Hereford school.

Director of education Eddie Oram confirmed that Tony Curran would continue in his position as acting head until a replacement was found.

"Unfortunately Mr Klee will not be coming to Aylestone because of personal reasons but there is no reason for concern" he said. "Aylestone is an excellent school, which will be managed by Mr Curran who is an experienced teacher and will have the full support of the governors."

In a letter to parents, chairman of the governing body George Nairn, wrote: "The permanent position will be advertised again early next term, in the expectation that a permanent appointment can be made with effect from next September at the latest."

If a new head is selected in September 2004, it will be more than a year since the last head teacher, Tony Wray, left the school.

Following Mr Wray's 14 years in charge, governors selected Mr Klee to begin in Easter 2004.

However, talks had opened for him to start in January before he withdrew from the post.