A headteacher appointed to turn around a failing Brighton College has been forced to retire on ill health grounds.

Dr Jill Clough, head of East Brighton College of Media Arts (Comart), is taking early retirement on the advice of her doctor.

The college in Wilson Avenue, Brighton, is advertising at the end of this week for a new principal to start in September.

Acting principal Jenny Pick will continue in her role until the end of the academic year.

Dr Clough, who has been off work on medical grounds since the end of last term, said: "I am extremely proud to have been involved in taking the college out of special measures.

"I am convinced the staff and pupils of Comart have a very bright future ahead of them.

"But I believe the time is now right, particularly in view of my continuing ill health, to hand over to someone else to take the college forward in the next stage of its development.

"This was always going to be my last headship before retirement. The students and staff at the college have been wonderful to work with and I offer them my very best wishes for the future."

Dr Clough, who came to Brighton from the private sector, arrived at the school after a relaunch had run into serious problems.

Brighton and Hove schools councillor Pat Hawkes said: "Jill Clough has done an outstanding job at the college."