The head of a school at the centre of a row over a land sell-off has announced he is to leave.

Phil Bevan, 50, is to move from Devizes School to one in Oxfordshire from September after joining Devizes School in April, 2016.

He said: “It is an excellent promotion for me as it is a much larger school of more than 1,500 students.

“ I will take all the positive aspects of being part of The White Horse Federation with me, especially the expert support and being surrounded by like minded colleagues.

“I am, and will be very sad to leave Devizes School and the federation. It has been one of the most enjoyable and successful periods of my teaching career and I have learnt so much.

“I will miss the people - students, parents and staff have been amazing, and the whole experience has lived up to the original excitement and anticipation I felt when I joined four years ago.”

In a letter to parents he said: “I want to reassure you that I will remain absolutely committed to working hard for Devizes School and the federations to complete a successful handover.”

He said plans were already in place to advertise for a new headteacher.

Mr Bevan grew up in Wiltshire and returned to the county after working in the music industry in London marketing bands such as Radiohead.

Under his leadership exam results have improved and a new joint sixth-form that includes Lavington School has been set up.

But the last few months have been tough for Mr Bevan after plans to sell of six acres of land to pay for repairs and improvements were announced.

Before Christmas pupils staged a protest on the school pitch and at a public meeting the White Horse Federation was accused of asset stripping. Plans for the sell-off are about to go to the education secretary for a decision.