THE chairman of governors at a Breightmet primary school has spoken of her shock at the headteacher's resignation.

But Anne Hickson says the main priority for everyone at Crompton Fold Primary School is now to look to the future and improve standards.

The BEN revealed that after a three-month suspension pending an investigation into his leadership head Chris Marston has tendered his resignation to Bolton Local Education Authority (LEA).

Mr Marston, who has been at the helm of the school for two years, gave no explanation for his decision to quit other than he wished to "pursue other career options".

Weakness

Last year the Poulton Avenue school was heavily criticised in an Ofsted report and placed under "special measures".

It accused Mr Marston of failing to tackle unsatisfactory teaching and curriculum weakness and inspectors said the school gave poor value for money.

It also said that there was poor communication between the head and his staff as well as a loss of confidence in Mr Marston.

Mrs Hickson admitted that Mr Marston's resignation had come "straight out of the blue".

"We have received no explanation other than that he wants to pursue other career options and of course we wish him well," she told the BEN.

She confirmed that the position of headteacher would now be advertised and the hunt for a suitable replacement would begin.

But added: "We cannot say how long this process will take because we do not want to rush into anything.

"It is important we get the right person for the job so it is worth waiting for."

Deputy head Diane O'Brien will continue as acting head until a replacement is found.

"Mrs O'Brien is doing a wonderful job and has the full support of the governors," said Mrs Hickson. "There is a renewed spirit of optimism and support at the school and our top priority now is to get the school out of special measures.

"We have been given 18 months to do this but the way things are going we are looking to be out of special measures ahead of this." Crompton Fold became the only primary in Bolton to opt out of LEA control under the last Conservative government.

But with the advent of the Labour administration the school has become a "foundation school" again taking its lead from the LEA.

Mrs Hickson said: "We have had a tremendous amount of support from the LEA, in fact we cannot thank them enough. They have really helped us get back on track and we are now looking to the future in a positive light."