MORE than 200 parents have signed a petition begging a headteacher not to resign.

Anna Evans, headteacher of Springfield Primary School, in Darlington, has handed in her notice to the school's governors.

But parents are devastated, saying Mrs Evans has improved the school since she took over four years ago.

Springfield is to be merged with Haughton Community School and Beaumont Hill Special School in Darlington's Education Village, which is under construction in Haughton and due to open in November.

The £33m village brings education for two to 19-year-olds under one roof for the first time.

The parents believe Mrs Evans has quit because she is unhappy at the prospect of being a headteacher in the Education Village, where there will be a combined budget of £7m rather than individual budgets.

There will also be a federation board of governors and joint decision-making.

Mrs Evans said she was leaving to become a strategic consultant for 23 schools in Kent.

She said: "I'm moving on because it is the right time in my career and I have gained promotion. I wish the school and the Education Village well."

Speaking for the parents, Julie Lee, who has two girls at Springfield, said: "When Mrs Evans joined the school four years ago, we were 23rd in the Darlington league. Last year we were seventh. We want the local education authority to talk her out of resigning."

Dame Della Smith, the Education Village's chief executive, said: "Anna has been a great head for Springfield, she has raised standards and supported inclusion and will be missed. But she has left a great legacy behind and good staff.

"The village is a brilliant opportunity to improve education for all three schools."