A head teacher who was arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children has resigned from his primary school.

Tim Watson, 54, was on personal leave from Cliffe Woods Primary School in View Road, and is understood not to have been at his desk since Easter.

Parents were sent a letter before the end of term from chairman of governors, Dianne Foreman.

She wrote that she had accepted Mr Watson’s resignation effective from August 31.

She added: “During his 10 years at Cliffe Woods, Mr Watson worked extremely hard and he leaves the school in a strong position.”

“I would ask all parents to join with the governing body in supporting our new leadership team and allow them to get on with their jobs providing outstanding education for all the pupils in our care” - Dianne Foreman

She said next term, the school would start the process of advertising for a new principal, although it would take some time.

She continued: “I would ask all parents to join with the governing body in supporting our new leadership team and allow them to get on with their jobs providing outstanding education for all the pupils in our care.”

The letter also announced the appointment of Sarah Robins as interim deputy head and said that the school would continue to be supported by The Williamson Trust in September for as long as was required.

Parents expressed their anger on social media after the Messenger broke the news of Mr Watson’s arrest on Friday, June 12, complaining that the school had not informed them before it was published in the paper.

They were sent a letter from interim head teacher Amanda Weallans that day apologising for not contacting them sooner, but said they were following advice from the police.

She wrote: “I will endeavour to keep you updated on any further developments in accordance with guidance from the police.”

A police spokesman said: “A 54-year-old man from Gillingham was arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children on April 20 and bailed pending further inquiries until August 6.”

The school, which has 336 pupils aged four to 11, was rated outstanding by Ofsted following a recent inspection when Mr Watson was described as “an inspirational leader”.

When approached at his home in June, Mr Watson said: “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

No one from The Williamson Trust or Cliffe Woods Primary School was available to speak to the Messenger about Mr Watson’s resignation.

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