A temporary leadership team has been drafted in at a struggling high school following the abrupt departure of the headteacher and deputy head.
Bosses at Copley Academy in Tameside say Sarah Gregory and her deputy Jo Walker-Maxey are 'unavoidably absent'.
An acting head and deputy have been appointed as interim replacements.
The Stalybridge school was put in special measures in December following a damning Oftsed report .
A follow-up inspection in April found the school wasn't doing enough to turn things round with Ofsted branding the academy's improvement plan 'not fit for purpose'.
Ms Walker-Maxey has been absent since June 6, while Mrs Gregory has been absent since June 21.
Their interim replacements - Kenwyn Paddy and Danielle Williams who have been drafted in from the Rodillian Trust in West Yorkshire - started yesterday.
In a letter to parents sent home today Alison Crompton, chief executive officer of the Great Academies Trust, which runs Copley, wrote: "Mrs Gregory and her deputy Ms Walker-Maxey are both unavoidably absent from school.
"This has necessitated interim arrangements for leadership.
"I understand parents’ concerns particularly, as we are facing significant challenge to improve the quality of education for all your children.
"I want to reassure parents that we have secured experienced senior leaders to fill these positions.
"Mr Kenwyn Paddy will be acting principal and Ms Danielle Williams the acting deputy.
"Both Mr Paddy and Ms Williams have significant senior leadership experience working with the Rodillian Trust in West Yorkshire.
"We have specifically approached Rodillian because of their excellent track record in helping schools improve rapidly.
"I have put these arrangements in place as quickly as possible to ensure the smooth running of the school and informed you at the earliest possible opportunity.
"Thank you in anticipation of your continued support."
In a statement the trust added: "The headteacher and deputy headteacher are both currently unavoidably absent from school.
"Thus there is an acting headteacher and deputy head supporting the school to ensure the day-to-day leadership functions are covered and the school runs smoothly."
