A TEACHER who was due to take over from popular City of Ely Community College principal Ian Gartshore will not take up the position as a result of a change in his personal circumstances. Andy Johnson, 35, has been charged with assault on a 13-year-old

A TEACHER who was due to take over from popular City of Ely Community College principal Ian Gartshore will not take up the position as a result of a "change in his personal circumstances."

Andy Johnson, 35, has been charged with assault on a 13-year-old boy from the Reading area, where he taught at the John Madejski Academy - one of the experimental city academies championed by the Labour government.

The academy was bankrolled by the multimillionaire owner of Reading Football Club, founder of AutoTrader and sometime squeeze of Cilla Black, John Madejski. He joined Tony Blair to formally open the academy in December 2007.

Headteacher, Kate Shaw, confirmed that as of August 31, Johnson had left the academy. "I don't want to comment - it's a personal issue," she said.

Johnson has been bailed to appear at Reading Magistrate's Court on Monday, and is charged with actual bodily harm. He is currently living in Gretton Close, Peterborough.

City of Ely Community College made the following statement on their website: "Due to a change in his personal circumstances, the governors and leadership team regret to inform you that Andy Johnson will not be joining the college as principal."

Former vice-principal at the community college, Richard Baker, will step up to acting principal for the coming academic year.