A HEADTEACHER of a troubled Newport school under investigation over national tests conducted at the school has resigned.

Sam Yeoman has left her post at Rogerstone Primary School for personal reasons, according to current acting head teacher Steve Rayer.

The move comes shortly after the resignation of the chairman of the school governors, Ernie Watkins.

Newport council yesterday would not comment on the news but did confirm that an investigation is ongoing.

Mr Rayer told the Argus yesterday that Ms Yeoman has resigned.

He said Belinda Cook, the chairwoman of governors, informed him that it was for personal reasons.

“I am delighted that the governing body has extended my secondment until August 31,” he said.

Mr Rayer has come to the school from Pantside Primary School in Caerphilly county borough.

Parents have been told that governors will decide on permanent arrangements during his secondment.

The Argus reported last year that Ms Yeoman and her deputy head teacher had been “granted temporary leave” by mutual agreement as the investigation continued.

The then chairman of governors Ernie Watkins had told parents that the investigation was examining National Reading and Numeracy Tests held at the school earlier this year.

Council emails released under the Freedom of Information Act previously revealed that the council had received a number of complaints about how the tests were run. A document from the Educational Achievement Service previously claimed that the way national tests were conducted at Rogerstone Primary School was open to potential abuse.

Labour Rogerstone councillor Chris Evans said: “Rogerstone Primary is fundamentally a good school with dedicated teachers and great kids. Since Steve took over, I’ve heard nothing but glowing reports.”