Many PGCE students looking for their first primary teaching job in London would be thrilled to get the call that they have landed their first role, although they may not expect to be given a head teacher's job.

This is exactly what happened to Annaliese Briggs, a 27-year-old, who has already resigned from her post at Pimlico Primary just weeks after her controversial appointment.   

Ms Briggs was appointed the head of the school last April, while still studying for her postgraduate certificate in education, and had been in charge of the primary's 60 pupils for just four weeks.

Pimlico Primary, a new free school which opened at the start of this academic year, released a statement to say that its former head had left the job to pursue other opportunities in primary education.

It added: "A new principal of Pimlico Primary has been appointed. Coming from within the group, our new principal is already known to the pupils and families of Pimlico Primary and brings over ten years' experience in both early years and leadership.

"We are delighted that Annaliese will continue to support Pimlico Primary as it grows by becoming a governor."

After her appointment, Ms Briggs explained that although she did have some classroom experience from teaching primary school children in supplementary schools, she had been chosen for the coveted head's job due to her curriculum expertise.

Leader of the Labour group at Westminster Council Paul Dimoldenberg reacted to the news by saying that being the head of an inner-London school is a tough job, which can sometimes be very stressful for anyone who takes the role.

The Department for Education said it was a matter for the school.

As Free schools are state-funded schools set up to meet the needs of the local community they serve, was this a right decision? Can a person with no real teaching experience ever be an effective head?