The headteacher of a failing school has left her position after a critical  Ofsted report.

Diane Stygal left Waltham Holy Cross Junior School in Quendon Drive, Waltham Abbey, on Friday.

A statement from the school said: “Mrs Stygal left the School seeking a fresh challenge.  We wish her every success in the future.”

There has been no comment as to Mrs Stygal's replacement.

As reported by the Guardian on Friday, the school was put under special measures after Ofsted inspectors found it to be failing to meet basic requirements across all categories.

The management team and governors were also considered not to have demonstrated the ability to improve the school.

The report cited year six students eligible for the pupil premium funding in 2013 were six months behind classmates in reading and maths and four terms behind in writing.

Good teaching practise was found not to be shared effectively and Ofsted recommends the school does not take on newly qualified teachers.

The school will now be monitored closely by Ofsted inspectors.