The head of a London grammar school which told struggling pupils they could not continue their A-level studies has been suspended.
Aydin Onac was suspended from his role at St Olave's Grammar School in Orpington, south London, on Thursday.
The school found itself at the centre of a high-profile row this summer after it emerged parents were pursuing legal action over its decision to withdraw places from two sixth-formers who had failed to achieve certain grades, preventing them from carrying on into Year 13.
Judicial review proceedings against the governing body of St Olave's were initiated, with the claimants arguing that the school's decision was a form of unlawful exclusion.
The pupils had failed to achieve Bs in any of their subjects taken in the first year of sixth form, lawyers said.
The high-achieving school reversed its decision before a hearing took place and the legal action was dropped.
Dr Paul Wright, chair of St Olave's governing body announced Mr Onac has been suspended.
He said: "I have been informed that the London Borough of Bromley will be conducting an investigation of St Olave's Grammar School in respect of concerns that have been raised over recent weeks.
"In light of this, and in order to protect the integrity of the investigation, Mr Onac has been suspended from all of his responsibilities as headmaster of the School.
"In the meantime, members of the senior leadership team, along with other senior teachers, will be responsible for the day to day running of the School during Mr Onac's absence.
"Please remember that this suspension is without prejudice and does not presume any particular outcome.
"We are committed to full transparency and will be cooperating fully with the local authority in this matter."
A Bromley Council spokeswoman said: "The suspension of the head is a matter for the Board of Governors.
"Bromley Council has been working very closely with the new Head of Governors at St Olave's in response to recent events and can confirm that there will be an investigation into concerns raised, though we cannot comment further at this time."
After the U-turn last month, St Olave's said its goal has always been to "nurture boys who flourish" and help them fulfil "their full potential academically and in life generally".
This year, 96 per cent of the school's A-level entries scored at least a B grade, with 76 per cent achieving an A* or A.
The row sparked a debate about whether schools should be allowed to prevent pupils from continuing their studies if they fail to achieve certain grades.
