THE head teacher at one of the region's top private schools has taken early retirement because of ill health.

Helen Hamilton has been at all-girls Polam Hall School in Darlington for 20 years and has been head teacher for the last 16. years.

Parents were told last Friday that Mrs Hamilton would be leaving the school with immediate effect. Bill Goyder, chairman of governors, said:"Parents, pupils, staff and governors are very sorry that Mrs Hamilton is having to take early retirement on the grounds of ill health.

Over the past 20 years Mrs Hamilton has been the leading light in the development of the school, during which time we have seen the school grow and flourish in respect of results, pupil numbers and facilities. Girls at the school have come to know Mrs Hamilton as a mentor. Her leadership of the school and contribution to its significant events, such as the Jubilee Appeal, has led to major successes."

Susanne Davison, the deputy head teacher, will be acting head teacher until a new appointment has been made.