County Hall has failed to explain why a controversial Welwyn Garden City headteacher resigned just as inspectors visited her school, but has thanked her for her services.

Asked to comment on the resignation of Jennifer Moles from Springmead Primary School on Tuesday, the county council merely confirmed it supported a letter sent to parents by Peter Martin, chairman of the interim governors.

According to Mr Martin: “Miss Moles has decided to resign from her post of headteacher and will not be returning to the school after the Easter break. Unexpected personal circumstances have led to this decision.

“The governing body would like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Moles for her contribution to the school and wish her well for the future.

“The governing body is working with Herts for Learning to put in place interim leadership arrangements for the school, details of which will be provided as soon as these have been finalised.”

The previous board all stepped down in June over undisclosed differences with Miss Moles, who took over the Hillyfields school in September 2015.

Her “unexpected personal circumstances” apparently arose or came to light while Ofsted inspectors were at the school.