The headteacher of a special needs school will appear in court next month charged with two counts of assault.

Geoffrey Wroe, who has been in charge at Dycorts School in Settle Road, Harold Hill, for more than 25 years, has been absent since the alleged incidents in March.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court in September and in October was remanded on unconditional bail pending his trial on February 19 at Romford Magistrates’ Court.