THE headteacher of Aycliffe Village School in County Durham is taking a principled stand against the Government's education policy by resigning. NICK GULLON gages the views of parents at the school gates.

"THERE'S so much pressure our next generation that I think there will be problems in the future. It’s at the point where they’re losing out on some of their childhood."

That's the view of former teacher Katie Walsh who is also a parent at Aycliffe Village Primary School. Mrs Walsh, whose husband James is chairman of governors, works with schoolchildren facing emotional problems and believes the controversial SATs tests put pupils under too much pressure.

“In my work I’m getting kids saying to me, ‘I feel a failure, I can’t sleep, I can’t eat.’

“I was talking to a friend who said her daughter was still up at 10.30pm and wouldn’t go to be bed. It’s all just for the exams and we’re turning our children into performing monkeys."

Headteacher Jed Gargan has announced he will quit on August 31in protest at the school funding system, the academisation of schools, SATs tests and the unrealistic expectations which is heaping pressure on pupils.

Another parent, Melisa Wilson, said it was sad to lose another headteacher.

“I'd just like to say that Mr Gargan has been an asset to the school and it's heartbreaking to see a great teacher leave under these circumstances."

“I admire his stance greatly and something needs to be done to stop these brilliant teachers from leaving our kids.

Brenda Millington added: "He is a very good headmaster, it is a good job somebody is making a stand because we don't want academies."

Fellow parent Warren Dowson, of nearby Woodham Village, has a six-year-old at the school. He said: “I agree with the head and I admire the fact he’s taking such a big step for what he believes is best for children.”

Gemma Hunter, a mother of a seven-year-old pupil, said: “If he believes that it’s all going wrong, I support him doing what he’s doing. I think a SATs exam at six and seven is definitely too young.”

Sue Riney-Smith, a parent of a ten-year-old at the school, said: “There is far too much pressure, particularly the pressure of the SATs coming up. The teachers are also under pressure and they are having to work at a much higher level.

“The school has lost a really good headmaster” she added.