THE man in charge of the troubled £45million Basildon Academies has quit.

Alan Roach, executive principal of the flagship schools, has not returned to work since the summer break.

The academies, which merged Chalvedon School in Pitsea and Barstable School in Basildon, has been rocked by soaring truancy rates, high staff turnover and poor discipline since opening two years ago.

Les Livermore, chairman of governors at the academies, said: “Alan’s 23 years in Basildon provide evidence of his dedication and leadership. We have much to thank him for.”

However, Mr Roach’s resignation follows a barrage of criticism over the school’s academic failings as well as financial problems which resulted in 50 job cuts being announced in July.

It is understood staff found out about Mr Roach’s departure when they returned for the new school year.

Mr Roach had been at the school for more than 20 years.

He was the previous headteacher of Chalvedon School in Pitsea before the merger with Barstable to become the Upper and Lower Academies respectively in 2009.

Mr Roach has been replaced by Dr Rory Fox, who is now principal of both sites, having previously been a headteacher at schools in Watford and Braintree.

Earlier this year Zoe King, principal of the Lower Academy, handed in her resignation after just two years at the school. She has now taken over the helm at St Helenas School in Colchester.

Mr Roach was unavailable for comment.