GOVERNORS from a prestigious school will tomorrow discuss the future of its headmaster following lurid allegations of drug taking.

The allegations against Tim Dingle, headmaster of Royal Grammar School, emerged in a national newspaper last Saturday.

A woman claiming to be the former lover of Mr Dingle accused the grammar school head of taking cocaine at parties and smoking cannabis seized from pupils at the school in High Wycombe.

Mr Dingle, who strenuously denies the allegations, did not return to the school last week due to a pre-arranged break.

The governors will decide whether or not to suspend him over the allegations.

Mr Dingle is due to leave his post at Easter to take up a role at St George's College, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The English-speaking grammar school, known as The Eton of South America, have made no comment on the allegations.

Bucks County Council, the local education authority, said it too will be looking into the accusations made by 35-year-old Nicky Barr, who the Daily Mail claims to be Mr Dingle's ex-mistress who he met on an internet dating site.

Marion Clayton, portfolio holder for schools, said: "We will look at any article and if it is considered appropriate, an investigation will be held. Everyone is entitled to a private life."

The council said it was their policy that, should Mr Dingle be suspended, he will continue to be paid until the end of any resulting investigation.

On the same day the story appeared in the Daily Mail, the 400-year-old school sent out a letter to parents, reassuring them that they will be looking into the claims.

Thames Valley Police said they are not looking at the accusations of drug taking. Georgie Porter, spokeswoman for the Thames Valley Police, said: "We have not had any complaint and there is no indication of criminal activity in our area."

The Daily Mail article also claimed that in 2002 Mr Dingle wooed Miss Barr by posing as a top London surgeon named James Bunyard.

Mr Dingle was unavailable for comment.