The principal of Twickenham Academy has stepped down from her role just weeks after an announcement that a multi-academy trust would be formed.

Your Local Guardian:

Tracy Ward is said to have left the school with immediate effect during the Easter holidays. An announcement was made to parents via email on Thursday afternoon, following earlier probes by the Richmond and Twickenham Times. 

It is not yet clear when Tracy Ward stepped down and how long it took for the school to make the annoucenmet.

April 1: Pair of struggling academies to form multi-school trust with Teddington and Waldegrave Schools

November 5: Struggling Hampton and Twickenham Academies seek help from flourishing Teddington and Waldegrave schools​

In an email seen by this newspaper, the Learning Schools Trust said Mrs Ward had "decided to step down".

Steve Bolingbrooke, the trust chairman, said: "All of us who have worked with Tracy know her deep commitment to the lives of young people. She has worked tirelessly for the school for two years and the results are plain to see.

"Visitors to the Academy remark on the calm, orderly way that students conduct themselves. The community’s confidence in the school has grown with more students choosing Twickenham Academy each year.

"We are looking forward to a significant improvement in results this Summer.

"In any organisation this success is a team effort, but all teams need inspiring leadership. Tracy has brought the team together and given them a sense of purpose and optimism.

"For me Tracy exemplifies our mantra that "Life is what you make it" and I wish her joy and success in the future."

September 2014: Twickenham Academy dress code sees pupils sent home on day one

July 2014: Vince Cable stands the Royal Mail heat in Twickenham Academy's kitchen​

Your Local Guardian:

Mr Bolingbrooke said the trust had changed its plan to make the announcement on Friday morning.

Mrs Ward said: "I have loved my time at Twickenham Academy. The staff work with good humour, tenacity, courage and determination to better the life chances of the children and the community.

"I would like to thank them, our wonderful students and our parents for their support during my time here."

On April 1, the Richmond and Twickenham Times reported Hampton Academy and Twickenham Academy would be merging with Waldegrave and Teddington schools to form a multi-academy trust.

Both Hampton and Twickenham Academies received "requires improvement" grades from Ofsted in their most recent inspections.

The schools had also had disappointing exam results.

Before Christmas, the Learning Schools Trust [LST] announced it would be seeking alternative governance arrangements.

The new governance arrangements will begin from September 2016 and at the beginning of April, LST chief executive Steve Bolingbroke said it was a very exciting time for the two academies.

Mr Bolingbroke said: "This is the beginning of a journey that will see both academies transformed to provide an exciting, challenging, supportive and caring environment and offering life changing opportunities for students."

John Wilkinson, Teddington School head teacher, said: "There is a real opportunity to help Twickenham and Hampton Academies continue their improvements whilst at the same time developing and strengthening secondary provision."