A PRINCIPAL is stepping down from his role at a south Essex performing arts school after receiving a job offer “he could not refuse”.

Joseph Elliott is leaving Ridley Studios, after three years at the helm.

Mr Elliott resigned on August 28, but students were due to be told the news at a meeting at the school, in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, today.

Mr Elliott said he still planned to be involved in education at Ridley, but to a lesser extent.

He said: “I have steppeddown, but will still be working here.”

Mr Elliott said his new job was within performing arts and would involve working up to 60 hours a week.

Mr Elliott expanded teaching at Ridley from just evening and weekends last September to full time, with a sixth form for musical theatre and acting, accredited to the Edexcel examining body.

He also moved the school from Leigh to its current, bigger premises and increased the number of teachers to 20.

Teacher Aisha Hodges, who has taken over running the school, said staff were working flat out to ensure the new term starts on time next Monday.