Parents are calling for the removal of a headteacher after one of the largest primary schools in Sussex was judged to be failing its pupils.

Ann Macaulay, head of Broadwater CE Primary School, Worthing, for six years has rejected calls for her resignation after inspectors said standards were unacceptable.

Teachers at the 498-pupil school, now subjected to special measures, are also believed to be unhappy with her.

Staff have written to school governors following the Ofsted report, which described the headteacher's leadership as 'weak' and a key factor in the school's difficulties.

The report outlined dissatisfaction among teachers, claiming the headteacher was failing to motivate them.

It also criticised some governors for being unaware of the effect weak leadership was having on standards.

The report follows an Ofsted inspection in 1997 which pointed to improvements needed, such as stronger management.

Parents, who asked for their names to be withheld to protect their children's identities, say they are shocked to learn the head is remaining.

One mother said: "Most parents are mystified as to why Ann Macaulay, singled out in the report as being weak, an inadequate manager and lacking in ideas as to how to improve the situation, has not been asked to resign."

Another parent said: "It's very difficult because Miss Macaulay is a lovely lady who is dedicated and works hard. But if the views of parents, teachers and the report are taken into account, she should go."

Miss Macaulay, former head of Climping Infant School, near Littlehampton, refused to comment.

Ofsted received three times as many comments from parents expressing concern about the school as it did positive reaction.

Reverend Dr Simon Coupland, the chairman of governors, confirmed a number of teachers had written to the governing body but said the letters were confidential.

He said it was not unusual for teachers to suffer a loss of confidence when a previously successful school was in special measures.

He said: "The headteacher has no intention of resigning at the moment and wishes to remain in her post. We have confidence the team in place can work to address the situation."

A spokesman for the education authority, West Sussex County Council, said it did not comment on staff issues but was working with the school to remove it from special measures as soon as possible.