Saltus Grammar School’s head of school Claire Charlemagne has resigned, Gil Tucker, board of trustees chairman, announced yesterday.

Mr Tucker said she tendered her resignation after receiving “an exciting career opportunity in educational leadership in the UK”.

He said: “Although we are sad that she will be moving on, we understand her decision.”

Ms Charlemagne has been with Saltus for nearly 14 years. Mr Tucker said that after this period of time, he was confident that the head of school “will always be connected to the Saltus family and our extended Bermuda community”.

He said the trustees will not rush the process of finding a new head for the co-educational, independent day school for students between the ages of 4 and 18. The trustees wished to ensure they appoint a “strong head” who is “equally committed to our students and capable of continuing the great foundation that Claire has built”.

Ted Staunton, a former Saltus headmaster, will head up the school during the transition period, pending immigration approval.

Ms Charlemagne, who has found a position on the Isle of Wight, said in her letter of resignation: “I have recently been offered a fantastic opportunity to lead a school and to contribute to the raising of educational standards on a broader scale in my home country. This is largely a testament to the wonderful opportunities I have had at Saltus. It has been a very difficult decision to make, but I have decided to accept this offer.”

Mr Tucker said the head of school “will be a very hard act to follow”.