We are all for an independent inquiry to take place to make sure this does not happen again, but it was not anyone's fault

Vicki Hazard, Central Technology College

The acting director of education in Gloucestershire wrote to the governors telling them the principal, Paul Monnelly, and the teacher in charge of the trip should be suspended during the inquiries.

The education authority said the suspensions would be a "neutral act" to ensure a detailed and objective inquiry.

Four investigations are taking place, led by the police, the Health and Safety Executive, the county council and the college itself.

The final decision rested with the college governors, because the Central Technology College is a foundation school which is self-governing.

Independent inquiry

School marketing manager, Vicki Hazard, said: "The governing body confirmed its decision made at its meeting on 5 July not to suspend the principal or the teacher in charge of the trip on which a student of the college tragically died.

"We are all for an independent inquiry to take place to make sure this does not happen again, but it was not anyone's fault."

The school was at the centre of a controversy in December last year when Mr Monnelly suspended 34 pupils for five days following classroom fights and unruly behaviour.

Race row

The suspensions followed a race row earlier last year when four black pupils were expelled amid allegations of drug-taking.

An independent inquiry found that they had been the victims of racial discrimination and ordered that they should be reinstated.

The boys went on to find places at other schools.