THE head teacher of a Gwent school - where nine governors staged a mass resignation last term - has moved to another job.

Linda Beavan (pictured is now working at County Hall, Cwmbran, after Monmouthshire council agreed to her request for alternative employment.

She had returned to Trellech Primary School last June after 12 months sick leave but governors at the school staged a mass walkout the same month.

They complained governors cold not make an effective contribution to the school, because of the council structure and "limitations" imposed on them.

The Argus understands a number of parents were also unhappy at Mrs Beavan's return, citing poor Standard Assessment Test results for pupils in 2001.

Ken Jacob, head of Green Lane Junior School, Caldicot, is now acting head of Trellech until next February 14. He will guide the school through an official inspection in January. Parents of pupils at both schools have been informed of the changes.

A spokesman for the council said: "Although the situation beyond February 2003 is uncertain, the present governing body and the Local Education Authority are determined the long-term future of the school will be one of success."

The spokesman added: "Mr Jacob has been a head teacher for 18 years and is therefore extremely well qualified to lead the school through its inspection by Estyn in 2003." The new governing body of the school held its first annual general meeting last night.

Martin Routh , the new chairman of governors, refused to expand on Mrs Beavan's departure - saying only the school was looking forward to a time when there was good news to report.

Governors also pledged to hold a private meeting with parents on October 7. And a report into some of the issues will be presented to governors at a special meeting on October 30 by Peter Hughes, vice-chairman of governors.

It expected to outline the background surrounding the school's difficulties. The annual meeting of governors and parents is due to be held at the school on November 21.