The governors at Lowestoft College refused to say why Angeline Nicholson was suspended. In a statement, they said: “The governors are carrying out an inquiry into operational aspects of corporation policies and procedures. ”

Mrs Nicholson’s suspension came as the Further Education Funding Council went in to inspect the college’s accounts. Last year the college ended up with an operating deficit of Pounds 987,000, FEFC figures show.

However, an initial internal audit of the current financial year is understood to show that the college is out of difficulty. The governors have put assistant principals in charge until November 3 when the inquiry result will be announced.

Staff and students expressed surprise at the two-week suspension. Several said they did not know how she operated and said she was “distant” and “not inclined to talk to staff organisations”.

Mrs Nicholson was unavailable for comment.