THE chairman of the governors at Parkfield Primary School in Taunton has stepped down after 13 years on the governing body.

In a letter to parents, Duncan Meikle said his experience at the “wonderful school” had been “very rewarding” but told the County Gazette there were a number of factors in his decision.

The school is looking to appoint a new head teacher for September after the previous postholder, Lisa Marchant, left at the start of the current school year.

Mr Meikle added: “As we all know, the school has recently been through some difficult times.

“However, I hope you will agree with me that the outlook is now much more positive.

“Our interim head teacher, Steve John (who is leaving at Easter), has brought new drive and focus and it will not be long before the governing body selects a new head teacher to take the school forward into its next phase; there is every reason to be optimistic.”

Mr Meikle said he was leaving for a number of reasons, including the drive towards academisation, which he described as “not something which floats my boat”.