THE headteacher of one of Worcestershire's most prestigious independent schools has resigned, it has been revealed in a shock announcemount.

David Dowdles only joined Malvern College in September, replacing Hugh Carson, who retired. But on Friday Mr Dowdles resigned for "personal reasons", leaving deputy head Dr Sarah Welch in charge.

Lord MacLaurin, chairman of the college, announced the resignation to parents and pupils on Saturday, at the start of half term.

He has asked people to respect Mr Dowdles' wishes for no further elaboration on his reasons for his resignation and the college refused to give any further details.

College Bursar Ian Barron said: "Lord MacLaurin has thanked David Dowdles for all his efforts and great contribution in the time he had been with the college and wished him well in the future.

"Lord MacLaurin announced that Dr Sarah Welch, deputy head since September 2004, had already taken over the role of acting head and reassured the pupils, prospective pupils and their parents that it is very much business as usual at Malvern College."

Mr Dowdles moved to Malvern College from Warminster School, Wiltshire. Prior to Warminster School, where he was head for six years, Mr Dowdles was deputy head of Bradfield College, Reading, Berkshire.

A graduate of Glasgow University, he is fluent in French, German and Japanese. He has lived and worked in Japan, and he is an accomplished pianist.

His departure comes amid huge investment plans for the college, with up to £30 million of improvements and changes in the pipeline.

The school, which currently has about 760 pupils, has been looking to build a new boarding house which could cater for up to 105 pupils.