Teachers will breathe a sigh of relief Nigel de Gruchy, teachers' union leader

But he added: "I think anyone who feels their role is better to be played writing for The Daily Telegraph or being a consultant to a PR company has obviously found a different niche in life."

Teachers' unions have greeted the news of his departure with delight.

Nigel de Gruchy, general secretary of the National Union of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers, said it was long overdue.

"I think over the last few months he was on a suicide mission and teachers will breathe a sigh of relief," he said.

Chris Woodhead's resignation comes the day after he was involved in ill-tempered exchanges with MPs on the Commons education select committee.

During his appearance before the committee he rejected allegations that his style detracted from the good work of Ofsted.

Mr Woodhead is unembarrassed by the fuss his comments routinely cause, believing that he should speak bluntly on behalf of parents when he finds that things are not up to scratch.

He has also found his private life at the centre of controversy - in May 1999 it was revealed the former teacher had had an affair with an ex-pupil.

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