The headteacher of a primary school criticised by inspectors has resigned. 

Karen Jacobs, head of Chigwell Primary School in High Road, will step down at the end of this term when she has served her notice period.

The school was rated as good in 2009, but was told it required improvement last year after it was found pupils in Years 3 to 6 were not making enough improvement.

The report stated: "The proportion of good or better teaching is not yet high enough.

“Work set is not always sufficiently challenging.

“School leaders have not, in the past, intervened sufficiently promptly to address dips in achievement.”

Essex County Council and the school confirmed the resignation this morning but said her decision was not related to any ongoing issues relating to school performance. 

A school spokeswoman said: "She is relocating back to Wales for personal reasons and to spend time with her elderly parents after living in London for 25 years."