The Department of Education has launched an investigation into allegations of gross misconduct at a free school.

Cuckoo Hall Primary Academy executive headteacher Patricia Sowter, along with headteacher Sharon Ahmet and Phil Sowter, director of Cuckoo Hall Academies Trust, were suspended last week following allegations of gross misconduct.

The primary academy, in Cuckoo Hall Lane, Edmonton, was the first of its kind in this country.

Cuckoo Hall Academies Trust went on to open Woodpecker Hall Primary Academy in 2011 and Kingfisher Academy in 2012.

The Department of Education will now investigate the free school as a result of the suspensions.

A spokesman said: “We have received allegations in respect of Cuckoo Hall Academies Trust, which we are now investigating. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage. We will publish the investigation report in due course.

“Academies and free schools operate under a strict system of oversight and accountability and we have consistently demonstrated that where we find failure, we will act quickly and decisively.”

Mrs Sowter was praised by the former education secretary Michael Gove for being a "superhead" after opening the school in 2010.

Stuart McNamara , the secretary of the Enfield NUT, added: "I'm very pleased that the chairman of governors has shown such brave leadership in addressing these serious concerns and used their legal powers to suspend those accused, pending an investigation.

“Suspension is of course a neutral act and these are at this point only allegations so a proper and thorough investigation does need to take place before any conclusions can be reached as to what has gone on. I trust that the DfE and the Education Funding Agency will also fulfil their duties by assisting with any investigation."