THE chairman of governors at Rogerstone Primary School has resigned for personal reasons.

Parents at Rogerstone Primary School, Newport, have been sent a letter telling them that Ernie Watkins had stepped down “with immediate effect”.

It says that Belinda Cook has been voted by governors to act as chairwoman. Steve Rayer, acting head teacher, confirmed the news and told the Argus he resigned for personal reasons.

He thanked him for “20 years plus service”.

He added that a recently conducted Estyn inspection will be published in February.

The school’s headteacher Sam Yeoman, and deputy head Wayne Millard, were granted temporary leave last September while an investigation into the way new national tests were conducted at the school took place.

Mr Rayer was appointed as an acting head following the move.

Newport Council said yesterday that the investigation remains ongoing.

The Argus was unable to contact Mr Watkins.