A headteacher has stepped down from her role at a Witham academy as jobs are cut following the breakdown of a proposed merger.

Last week, New Rickstones Academy, in Conrad Road, announced plans to axe 13 non-teaching posts after proposals to amalgamate with Maltings Academy were axed.

Since then, headteacher Trenica King, who joined the academy three years ago, wrote to parents and pupils to say that she will leave the school at the end of the academic year.

John Szynal, headteacher of Maltings Academy, took on the role of principal at both academies yesterday.

Ms King said: “Since joining the Academy in 2012, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with our students, families, staff and governors who have made up the special community of New Rickstones Academy."

See the Witham Times for the full story.