The shock news came just days before the start of the new term and after the school's GCSE results, which showed improvement on the previous year.

Mr Martin has not revealed what his plans are for the future.

He said: "I have felt very privileged to be headteacher of Northcliffe School for the last ten years and to have worked with so many talented students and colleagues.

"I feel that the time is now right for me to move on as the school moves towards the next exciting stage in its history.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working in this community and would like to express my thanks for all the support that I have been given.

"I will always hold Conisbrough and Denaby Main close to my heart."

The school has around 730 pupils aged between 11 and 16 and is currently bidding for specialist status.

It is expected to opt to become an academy in the forthcoming £200 million Building Schools for the Future programme which will see the school run in partnership with businesses.

Tracey Morton, chair of governors at Northcliffe, said: "The governors are very grateful to David Martin for all that he has done for the school over the last ten years.

"When he arrived at the school, around 20 per cent of students were achieving five or more A* - C grades whilst a similar percentage left with no qualifications at all.

"This year 40 per cent achieved five or more and all but three per cent gained qualifications to take with them.

"We hope very shortly to be announcing exciting plans for the future of the school. This is likely to involve academy status and the opening of a new school in the near future.

"We are currently in talks with various possible sponsors, together with the local authority and in partnership with Dearne Valley College.

"David Martin felt that this was therefore an appropriate time to stand down as headteacher."

For the new school term Nigel Pattinson, headteacher of Armthorpe School, will be executive head - chiefly an advisory role. Current
deputy head Gill Pollard will be associate headteacher.