Estelle Morris has resigned as education secretary.

She resigned last night after criticism of her handling of the A Level re-grading fiasco and a series of other rows.

The former education secretary indicated that she did not feel up to the job.

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Gerald Imison, deputy general secretary for the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, told ePolitix.com: "We are very sorry to lose Estelle Morris as education secretary.

"Teachers have valued having a fellow teacher at the helm of the Department for Education and Skills. She was someone who was able to appreciate how hard their task is and how well they are doing.

"She leaves at a critical time and we hope whoever takes up the reins will lose no time in continuing the essential discussions on the future of the education profession and particularly on reducing teachers' workload."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Jean Gemmell, general secretary of the Professional Association of Teachers, told ePolitix.com: "I am surprised and saddened by her resignation. Estelle Morris has made a typically honest, sincere and courageous decision.

"It is particularly unfortunate that she has resigned at the time when the work of the School Workforce Remodelling Group has just been introduced to the wider public.

"We are confident that Estelle Morris has always had the best interests of students and school communities at heart. We have enjoyed working with her and wish her well for the future.

"We hope that we can work as constructively with her successor."

Forum response: Universities UK

Diana Warwick, chief executive of Universities UK, told ePolitix.com: "We have been grateful to Estelle Morris for her willingness to listen to us and to engage with our concerns for the future of the sector. We wish her well."

Forum Response: Universities Council for the Education of Teachers

A spokesperson for UCET, told ePolitix.com: "It is a great pity that Estelle Morris has decided to resign. Whatever failings some people might, rightly or wrongly, have accused her of, no one could ever mistake her genuine passion for and commitment to education.

"Her honesty and openness were valued by all who came into contact with her, and it is to be hoped that the person who follows her in the crucial role of secretary of state for education, will have a similar style in working with the education profession."