THE headteacher of King Henry VIII School in Abergavenny has resigned due to ill health pupils and parents heard on Tuesday.

The school governors and the local authority have thanked Nick Oaten for his work at the school and his 'contribution to its development'.

"Mr Oaten, who has been at the school since 2009 has decided to leave his post as Head-teacher of King Henry VIII Comprehensive School due to ill health and is intending to pursue other career interests," said a spokesman for Monmouthshire County Council.

In a statement issued through MCC Mr Oaten said he would like to thank the governors, parents and the community for their support.

He said he would particularly miss the students and staff for whom he wishes every success in the future.

In August last year King Henry was named as one of three Monmouthshire schools being of 'particular' or 'critical' concern to the Education Achievement Service and was subject to an intervention plan drawn up by the school, the EAS and the local authority.

The school's deputy headteacher has been serving as acting head in Mr Oaten's absence and it is understood that a new headteacher will be appointed in the coming months.