A HEADTEACHER who became the centre of a storm of protest over a controversial toilet breaks regime has resigned.

Parents of pupils at Bedale High School said they were shocked to receive a letter last night informing them Sian Rees was stepping down from the role "to take up an opportunity in school leadership".

The move comes two weeks after police were called to the school after dozens of students angry about strict new rules limiting toilet breaks launched a mass protest.

Pupils were protesting against new rules brought in which restricted toilet use to two slots between 11.05am and 11.25am, and 12.25pm and 12.45pm, as part of an attempt to raise standards following a poor Ofsted report.

Mrs Rees, who has led Bedale for the last three years, will leave her post with effect from April 23, but spent her last day in school on Friday.

Tony Rawdin, who received accolades while headteacher at Norton College, in Ryedale, after it was named as one of the most successful in the country, has been named interim headteacher for the next 18 months. His career also includes a period leading Wensleydale School.

She said: “Leading the team of staff at school has been a very unique and special experience, one that has brought huge challenges and some notable successes.

“I am proud we opened the school to its primary partners and made links with other schools to introduce our staff to new ideas and practice, and that we have sustained high academic standards through very turbulent times.

“I wish Bedale High School and my successor much success and feel sure that with the continued support from the board of governors and the local authority the school, its students, parents and all members of the community will flourish.”

Gerry Price, Bedale’s chair of governors, said the governing body was grateful for Mrs Rees' hard work leading the school through a period of turbulence. He stated parents meetings were being planned for after the Easter break.

In a letter to parents and carers he said that Mr Rawdin’s track record as a school leader was “excellent” and he gave a reassurance that “the school’s staff and senior team are firmly focused upon ensuring that every one of our students gets a first rate education and achieves to their full potential.”

Pete Dwyer, North Yorkshire’s corporate director for the children and young people’s service, said: “Bedale is in a position where the pace of improvement needs to be accelerated.

"We formed the view, in agreement with the headteacher, that there would be benefits to the school of a change in strategic leadership.

"We are confident Mr Rawdin will provide that necessary strategic direction and that the school will move forward swiftly in raising achievement.”