A headteacher investigated by police after being accused of assaulting a classroom assistant at a staff party has resigned.

Bridget Lawson, 51, is said to have come to an understanding with county education officials to leave her £45,000-a-year post.

She has been on sick leave from high-performing Herstmonceux Church of England Primary School since soon after the allegations against her were made.

Police launched an inquiry into claims she assaulted classroom assistant Vikki Ede following a row in toilets at a staff Christmas party last year.

Sussex Police dropped the case in April, saying there was not enough evidence to take action.

Mrs Lawson, of Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, also faced an investigation led by East Sussex Local Education Authority (LEA). It is believed the inquiry centred on her management style.

Some at the school blamed her for a high turnover of staff at the 200-pupil school in Hailsham Road, Herstmonceux, near Hailsham.

The outcome of the LEA inquiry has not been made public but the furore surrounding the tiny school shocked the village.

A petition was raised by some parents in an effort to have Mrs Lawson reinstated. Others felt her position had become untenable and she should not return.

Yesterday East Sussex County Council released a one-line statement announcing Mrs Lawson's resignation.

It read: "Following discussions, an understanding has been reached with Bridget Lawson, whereby she has agreed to resign."

Letters informing parents of her resignation were sent out last night.

They stated a new headteacher would hopefully be in place by Easter.

Sue Hunter has been acting head since September.

She has agreed to remain for another term.

Mrs Lawson was unavailable for comment last night.

Chairman of governors David Farmer told The Argus: "We have not been in contact with her for some time.

"However, we wish her all the best for the future."

The school is regarded as one of East Sussex's best performing primaries.

It was placed 113th in the recently-published Times Top 500 Primary Schools.

It was the only school in the area to make the prestigious list.

Mrs Lawson had been praised for reversing the school's fortunes.

In 2001, she was one of two heads from Sussex commended in the Leadership Trust awards for school leadership.

In May 2001, schools watchdog Ofsted gave a commendable inspection report.

Inspectors found performance in national tests had improved significantly during the previous four years at a rate higher than that seen nationally.

The headteacher was praised for "very good" leadership, direction and quality of teaching.