THE headmaster of Queen's College, Taunton, has resigned following allegations that he breached the school's code of conduct.

Chris Alcock, who was due to retire at the end of the summer term 2017, has stepped down with immediate effect.

The chairman of the governors Mark Edwards said: "He feels that this is the right thing to do in the interests of the whole school community and he will be taking some time away and has asked that his privacy be respected."

Mr Edwards said that the recruitment process to find a replacement to take over from Mr Alcock next year is well underway, with a strong field of applicants.

"We are confident of finding a first-class person to led the college's continuing development," said Mr Edwards.

Deputy head Dr Lorraine Earps has been appointed acting head until a permanent replacement is found.