A school announced its head teacher's sudden resignation for "personal reasons" on the last day before half-term.

Steven Isaacs, who is head teacher at Hertsmere Jewish Primary School in Watling Street, Radlett, will leave today, after eight years.

Parents received an email from chairman of Governors Marc Harris this morning telling them of Mr Isaacs' resignation, .

Mr Harris wrote: "After eight years at Hertsmere Jewish Primary School, Mr Isaacs has decided that for personal reasons the time has come for him to leave the school as of today.

"On behalf of the parents, staff and governors, we would like to thank Mr Isaacs for his hard work and dedication to the school."

Quoted in the letter, Mr Isaacs said he "thoroughly enjoyed" his time at the primary school.

He added: "I hope that this wonderful school will continue to strive for academic excellence in all disciplines and will remain a beacon school in Jewish education and more generally within Hertfordshire."

Deputy head teacher Rita Alak-Levi has been appointed as acting head teacher.

Mr Harris added that the search for a new head teacher will begin as a "matter of priority".

During his career, Mr Isaacs has taught at a primary school in Manchester, his home city, and been head of performing arts at a British international school in South East Asia.

His previous role was as deputy head teacher at the Menorah Foundation School in Burnt Oak.