UPDATED 9.37PM The principal of Canterbury's Rangiora High School says she has been sacked.

Peggy Burrows said she was informed of her dismissal today which is effective immediately, following a long running stoush with the Ministry of Education.

Commissioner Bev Moore has been at the school for over a year since the Ministry sacked the Board of Trustees and suspended Burrows pending an investigation.

This came after a number of allegations and tensions over employment and finance.

In a statement Peggy Burrows said she's extremely disappointed by the decision and will be challenging it.

She said during her 13 years as head of school she has worked hard both professionally and ethically despite more than a year of investigations.

Ministry of Education head of sector enablement and support, Katrina Casey, confirmed to the Herald that the commissioner would remain at the school for another year to continue to address the significant issues the school faced. A new board of trustees would be appointed when she had completed her work.

"The school continues to be well managed and focused on providing a quality education for the students. The atmosphere at the school is positive and staff and students are focusing on teaching and learning in an environment of stability."

Rangiora High School acting principal Julia Malcolm said the school was settled and focused on its core business of teaching and learning.