A HIGH school headteacher has resigned for ‘personal reasons’, less than a year after taking up the role.

A statement from Holy Cross High School confirmed that Linda Foley had left the school.

Ms Foley only took up the position of head of the Lancashire County Council-run school last September.

The vacancy was advertised with a salary of around £82,000 after the departure of previous head Wendy White.

Ms Foley had previously been deputy head at St Gabriel’s RC School in Bury and the job in Chorley was her first as a head.

Parents were informed of her resignation by letter last week.

There are also expected to be several other teacher departures after the academic year is over but the school said that such staff turnover was not unusual.

Malcolm Holt, chairman of governors at Holy Cross said: “Ms Foley decided to move on for personal reasons and we wish her all the best for the future. As with any large secondary school, we expect some staff turnover.

“This year, some staff are retiring, returning to university and seeking promotional opportunities in other schools as is normal.

“However, we have also made some good, high quality appointments for September, who will bring their own drive and enthusiasm to the school.

“We're looking forward to the year ahead.”

One parent, who has a son at Holy Cross, said: “It came as a big surprise to me as she had only been at the school a few months.

“I suppose if there was a problem the summer is a natural time to change heads and get some stability.

“Holy Cross a good school and the pupils and parents are proud of it.”