Students at The Ridgeway School in Wroughton have been told that information technology teacher Terry Craggs is to have a sex change.

He will continue in his post with the full support of his headteacher and the governors of the mixed comprehensive school.

Parents received a letter from the school informing them of the decision and pupils were told by their tutors.

The head, Tom Axon, said: "Every step has been taken in the circumstances to be as candid as possible and to ensure that every member of what is regarded as The Ridgeway community, parents, pupils, governors and staff, have been more or less simultaneously informed.

"We know that Mr Craggs's decision will in no way affect the dedication, commitment and skill he was always brought to his job."

Mr Craggs said he had been "overwhelmed" by the reaction to the news of his gender change.

"People have been unbelievably supportive," he said.

"I have had letters and cards from people congratulating me. My own tutor group burst into spontaneous applause when I told them myself."