The headteacher of a Whitton primary school has resigned and the school has been put under the control of a specialist trust following a disastrous Ofsted report.

In January parents reacted angrily after Nelson Primary School, in Nelson Road, was rated ‘inadequate’ for the second time in four years by the government inspectors.

The regional schools commissioner, Dominic Herrington decided to take Nelson from the control of the Waldegrave Trust and put it under that of the Latchmere Academy Trust, which runs Latchmere Junior School in Kingston.

Latchmere is a specialist ‘teaching school’, which offers assistance to schools seeking to make improvements.

It also specialises in primary education.

Tracey Edwards, who has four children at Nelson Primary School, said she was encouraged by the changes made at the school, and praised the Latchmere trust and Ms Steels.

She said: “The new acting head and the new trust are full of enthusiasm and are bringing the positivity that the school so badly needs.”

In a letter to parents Nelson’s former headteacher Clare Pugh wrote: “After much consideration and deliberation, I have made the decision to resign a Headteacher of Nelson Primary School after three years. This has not been an easy decision to make.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank pupils for being amazing, the staff for their commitment and dedication, parents/carers and Nelson governors for their continuous support, commitment and friendship throughout my time at Nelson Primary School.

“It has been a privilege to have been the custodian of Nelson Primary School and to have shared the journey with you all.”

Ms Pugh will be replaced by Anna Steels, a former deputy at Latchmere.

Latchmere headteacher Julie Ritchie will become executive headteacher.

Experts from the Howard Partnership Trust, enlisted to improve the school following the recent Ofsted report, will continue at the school alongside Ms Steels until handover takes place.

Ms Steels said: “I am really excited to have started as head of School at Nelson School and have enjoyed my first week, I am grateful to staff, parents and pupils for making me so welcome.”

Philippa Nunn, the head of the Waldegrave Trust, said Mr Herrington’s decision has the “wholehearted support and backing” of the trust.

She said: “Latchmere Academy Trust have the primary specialist staff, the expertise and experience to ensure rapid and sustained improvement is made.”