A head teacher who was arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children has now been charged with seven offences.

Tim Watson, 55, has been charged with seven counts of making indecent photographs of a child, after originally being arrested in April.

Watson, who resigned from Cliffe Woods Primary School, after being on “personal leave,” had not been at work inside the school in View Road, since Easter.

The Medway Messenger first broke the story of his arrest in June when a police spokeswoman said: “A man from Gillingham was arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children on April 20 and bailed pending further inquiries until August 6.”

His bail was then extended until yesterday and now police have revealed Watson, who used to live in Gillingham, but has now moved to Nottingham, has been charged.

Parents who have pupils at the school were sent a letter before the end of summer holidays from chairman of governors, Dianne Foreman, explaining 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.”

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

According to the school’s website this week, a head has still not been appointed.

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

Parents expressed their anger on social media after the Medway Messenger broke the news of Mr Watson’s arrest in June, 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 on the day of publication, apologising for not contacting them sooner, but said the school was following advice from the police.

The school was rated outstanding by Ofsted following a recent inspection when Mr Watson was described as “an inspirational leader”.

On Wednesday, a spokesman for police in Medway added: “Timothy Watson, 55, of Silvern Avenue, Nottingham, has been charged with seven counts of making indecent photographs of a child.

He has been bailed to attend Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 2.