Head teacher of school resisting academy status steps down

The head teacher of a school resisting academy status has resigned after it was placed in special measures.

Downhills Primary School in Haringey, north London, was judged inadequate in the latest inspection by Ofsted, ordered by the Education Secretary Michael Gove. The Department for Education said the school had struggled to obtain the required standards for years. However, the school previously claimed that Mr Gove was illegally attempting to force academy status on the school and that attainment records suggested standards were improving.

The school's governing body confirmed Leslie Church's resignation and said: "Leslie is tremendously popular with parents, staff and children and retains the full support of the governing body."