A stressed-out primary headteacher who altered exam papers has resigned from her post, it has emerged.

Helen Quick, of Wyndham Primary School in Newcastle, quit after she told the authorities that she had tampered with answers in maths and science papers taken by 11-year-olds.

The National Association of Headteachers has claimed the Ms Quick's actions were a result of the increasing stresses and pressures on headteachers today, and said their member's integrity was "impeccable" prior to the "error of judgement", which caused her to fiddle exam results.

Year six pupils sitting the Standard Assessment Tests are to have their results annulled and will be given unofficial graded, based on their teachers' assessments. Parents have been informed and have been reassured their children's education will not suffer.

Phil Turner, director of Newcastle City Council said: "While we do very much regret this situation, it is important to stress that the children's education has not been affected in any way.

"Their education has always been of paramount importance to Miss Quick and she had an unblemished record until this incident.

"She immediately regretted her actions and brought them to our attention.

"She has fully co-operated with our investigation and promptly offered her resignation."

An experienced headteacher has been brought in to take over the 270-pupil school until a permanent replacement is found.

John Heslop, the regional officer for the National Association of Headteachers said: "Modern headship increasingly involves headteachers in more stress than in the past.

"This can lead to errors of judgment such as this one.

"Helen's integrity before this incident was impeccable, and reinforced by her actions in drawing the attention of the local education authority to the incident."

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Updated: 12.01 Thursday, June 28