St Laurence School is a comprehensive academy which says it believes that its "Christian foundation provides a context within which to foster a sense of understanding and compassion for others, and the courage to act on our beliefs".
It has been confirmed that a long standing teacher at the school is transgender and will return from the Christmas break identifying as a female.
The Sun newspaper reports that Mark James will be known as Madeleine.
The head teacher, Fergus Stewart, told the newspaper: "We can confirm a member of staff is planning a gender transition from January 1.
"This is something that has been planned carefully with advisers, students, staff and parents in a clear and careful way.
"Our school community is united in supporting our colleague."
In an email to parents Mr Stewart said students had already responded "magnificently" to Ms James' transition.
He said: "The following few weeks, in particular, will be an opportunity for us to practise our values of diversity, equality, teamwork, honesty and learning and to demonstrate that we really are, as our mission statement says, a caring, respectful, inclusive community.
"I know that you will want to play your part in helping your child and us with this, even if this process is one that you find challenging in terms of your personal experiences, views or beliefs."
