THE headteacher of three Alston schools has resigned, four months after taking over the role.

In a letter to parents last week, the Alston Moor Federation’s chairman of governors Brian Cooper said Stuart Dixon resigned from his role on December 31 due to personal reasons.

The Alston Moor Federation covers Alston Primary School, Nenthead Primary School and Samuel King’s School in Alston.

Mr Dixon succeeded former headteacher Ian Johnson, who left at the end of the school year after 21 years as headteacher.

The governing body held an emergency meeting over the Christmas period to put temporary measures in place and ensure pupils’ education could continue unaffected.

One of the school’s deputy headteacher’s, Sally Timmons, has taken the position of acting headteacher, and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, while former headteacher Ian Johnson has been contracted to return in an advisory role.

The federation will also receive support from Cumbria County Council’s education officers.

Mr Johnson said the advert for the headteacher role went out on Tuesday.

“The new organisational arrangements are going well,” he said.

“All three schools are working together and we’re hoping to make an appointment in March.”