'It is a tragedy for her and for the education service'

Leaders of the teaching unions and parent organisations expressed their shock and sadness at the surprise resignation of the Education Secretary last night.

David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, described her resignation as a "tragedy" both for Ms Morris and for the education service.

He said: "I am stunned. She has made some mistakes but nobody can doubt her passion for education. It is a tragedy for her and I think for the education service. I can only hope that the Government has the sense to appoint someone with her commitment and passion as her replacement."

He warned that her resignation suggested either that Ms Morris "could not sustain the pressure of the last few weeks" or that she was "aware of some impending problem that the education world was as yet unaware of".

Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "She will be a tremendous loss. During her time as a member of the education team and as Education Secretary, although the union has had areas of disagreement, her knowledge and understanding of the needs of teachers and pupils and the education service is undoubted.

"Over time teachers will regret her departure and recognise the extent to which she has played a moderating role. She has undoubtedly been under extreme pressure from those who care more for modernising than for promoting education."

He added: "It's a great pity that she has decided to go. On too many occasions, the Education Department's position has been too highly influenced by the wishes of Downing Street rather than the needs of the service. Estelle fought hard to prevent that."

Chris Keates, deputy general secretary of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers, said he was "extremely surprised" that she had gone. He said: "She has been a competent Secretary of State. We have had a good relationship with her and hadn't felt that any of the recent problems were any reason for her to resign."

Margaret Morrissey, spokeswoman for the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations, said: "We were pleased with the initial appointment and felt that we had finally got someone who really understood what teaching and skills were all about.

"We are disappointed to hear that she has resigned. In most cases we were in agreement with her, but not always. She did give a lot of time to parents and was quite positive."