Alex Reed, who took over as headteacher at Northgate High School in Dereham in April, has resigned.

Parents were told of his decision by letter on Tuesday in which he expressed his 'deep regret' and explained that he and his family would be returning to New Zealand.

A Cambridge graduate, Mr Reed came to Dereham from Auckland where he was deputy headmaster at Westlake Boys High School for three years.

Prior to that, he was deputy headteacher at Greenford High School and Language College in London, assistant headteacher at a community sports college in Derby and also taught at schools in Bristol.

At the time of his appointment the governors said he was 'the outstanding candidate' and an 'experienced and passionate educator'. But Mr Reed said that he and his family had found it difficult to settle back in this country and that prompted their decision to return to New Zealand.

'The decision to leave has not been an easy one, but the overwhelming motivation has been my family and their happiness,' he said.

But Mr Reed was keen to praise the staff, pupils, parents and governors of Northgate and said he had done everything he could to build on the success of the school. He added: 'In my time at the school, I have come to realise that Northgate is indeed a special place. The staff care deeply about every single pupil who attends the school, and they all support the school's strong ethos: pastoral care, excellence in teaching and learning, and every possible opportunity outside the classroom.

'I am very sorry that I will not be able to repay the trust and friendliness with which I have been welcomed, but I know that the school will continue to be a great success.'

Mr Reed will be returning to New Zealand in January next year to take up the job of associate headmaster at Westlake.

A governor's meeting is being scheduled to discuss the appointment of his successor and make any interim arrangements.