The headmaster of a small village school has resigned after concerns arose over the quality of teaching there.

Education bosses insisted John Leyland's departure from Fingringhoe C of E Aided Primary School was not down to misconduct but said the move was designed to improve teaching conditions for pupils.

Since Mr Leyland left the post earlier this month, he spoke of the support he had received from parents in the village. He had taught at the Abberton Road site for a number of years but had more recently become its headteacher.

Mr Leyland, who was described as "an excellent classroom teacher", was suspended on July 9 and he later announced he would not be returning.

Education bosses said he would begin at another school, not as headteacher, in September. Following his departure, meetings had been arranged by school governors to formulate the best way forward.

An Essex County Council spokeswoman said: "Representatives of the school's governing body, in partnership with the education authority, were concerned about the quality of the school and as a result the head teacher is not in school."

Canon Peter Hartley, from the Diocese of Chelmsford, added: "He has resigned and will be taking up another teaching post elsewhere in September.

"He is a good teacher and wants to pursue his career in teaching. There is no question of disgrace, misconduct or anything of that nature. Mr Leyland is a very good popular teacher."

Mr Leyland, of Alexandra Avenue, West Mersea, said: "I have always enjoyed my time at the school and have received great support from parents."

Cannon Hartley said Mr Leyland's suspension had given him "time and space" to consider his managerial role at the school and whether he wanted to return to more "hands on" teaching role.

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