PARENTS have welcomed the resignation of Newent Community School headteacher Jane Steele, four weeks after it was placed in special measures.
Letters went out yesterday telling families she would not be returning after Easter.
Current deputy headteacher Kirsten Harrison will step into the role until a new headteacher is appointed.
Parent Sue Loveridge said: "I suppose it was inevitable following the Ofsted.
"Heads must roll. Let's hope that whoever takes the post will get the school back on track for the sake of the pupils."
A statement from chair of governors Steve Huckvale said her departure was 'by mutual agreement'.
He added: "Governors pay tribute to her hard work and commitment during the six years of her leadership of Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre and wish her all the best for the future."
He said work was being done to address the 'disappointing' Ofsted report.
It rated pupils' achievement, teaching quality, and leadership and management "inadequate".
Behaviour and safety of pupils was classed as 'requiring improvement'.
A dad, who did not want to be named, said: "Clearly, something has gone fundamentally wrong at the school and whatever is needed to put it right must be done quickly.
"Change often has to take some high-profile casualties, and I welcome the decision Jane Steele has taken to step down."
National executive and local NUT representative John Pemberthy said: "While sad at a personal level, it will hopefully give the school the opportunity to move forward positively to restore their reputation for good teaching and all round education."
Newent councillor Len Lawton said: "The report indicated almost systematic failures which have been laid at the headteacher's door."
