The head teacher of one of the largest primary schools in Sussex has resigned following repeated calls from parents for her removal.

Ann Macaulay, head of Broadwater CE Primary School, Worthing, resigned yesterday during the half-term break.

Parents at the school have been demanding her resignation since a report by Ofsted school inspectors in September described her leadership as "weak" and said she was a key factor in the school's difficulties.

Inspectors also said standards at the school were unacceptable and put it under special measures.

In September, parents at the 498-pupil school were becoming increasingly frustrated at Miss Macaulay's refusal to resign.

She has now taken up a secondment to the Church of England Diocese of Chichester, based at Church House in Hove, and will advise on the teaching of religious education in primary schools.

Today one parent, who declined to be named, said: "I wrote to her on her last day and said I didn't mean anything personally against her, and I thought her new job would suit her."

She added: "I think she is a very kind and patient woman and has certainly been patient with me in the past when I've been angry with her. I think what she's done is the best decision for the children though."

Ofsted received three times as many comments from parents expressing concern about the school as it did positive reactions.

The Rev Simon Coupland, chairman of the school's governors, sent letters to parents this week informing them of Miss Macaulay's resignation.

Colin James, assistant director of education at West Sussex County Council, said: "We would like to join with the governing body in thanking Ann Macaulay for her hard work and service to children in over 12 years as head teacher, both at Broadwater and her previous school in Climping."

Rose Benwell, a consultant head teacher at the school, will take up the position of acting head from Monday until a replacement is found in the new year.