A principal in Melbourne's west has been stood down after video footage emerged of him dragging a primary school aged pupil along the ground.

Steve Warner, the principal of Manor Lakes P-12 College, in Wyndham Vale has been stood down pending an investigation.

The footage appears to show Mr Warner dragging the pupil by the arm across the playground while concerned parents and students can be heard yelling out as the incident unfolds.

Police confirmed they had been notified.