Tower Hamlets Council’s chief executive Kevan Collins has resigned.

Former teacher Dr Collins was previously director of children’s services and was appointed to the �190,000 chief executive post in 2009, taking over after the controversial departure of his predecessor Martin Smith.

Mr Smith was given a �300,000 payoff when he left the council after serving two years in the top job.

The council announced his resignation this morning and said he has accepted a national role as chief executive of the newly created Education Endowment Foundation.

Kevan Collins said: “I’m honoured that the Education Endowment Foundation has asked me to become its first chief executive and I am looking forward to working with schools, local authorities and other providers to improve the education outcomes for children from disadvantaged communities.

“My career started as a teacher in Tower Hamlets and the opportunity to support a national drive to improve education outcomes for children who face disadvantage is one that I can’t resist. I leave Tower Hamlets Council with feelings of enduring affection and gratitude.”

The borough’s mayor Lutfur Rahman commented: “Kevan has given outstanding service to Tower Hamlets and whilst he will be missed we are proud that an important national body will benefit from the experience Kevan has gained in our borough.

“Kevan’s passion is education and as a former national director for primary education and a current visiting fellow at the Institute for Education he is returning to his roots. We thank him for his legacy of achievement for the people of Tower Hamlets but I note that he will still keep a close eye on the borough as he remains a resident!”

An interim successor to Dr Collins will be announced next week and made from one of the existing members of the Corporate Management Team.