The department's move came just a day after Education Minister Nick McKim reportedly reiterated that the teacher would not stay at Bracknell.

It was also at the end of a tumultuous year, where the school community fought for survival after Bracknell was included on a state government closures hit-list.

Parents at the school had been lobbying to save the first-year graduate, who taught the school's grade 4, 5 and 6 class this year.

The Bracknell Primary School Association said if the teacher was replaced by a permanent residency teacher next year as planned, it would be the eighth teacher for that class in six years.

However, last night the Education Department announced the teacher would remain at Bracknell, while the permanent teacher would be placed at a different school.

The news came as a shock to association chairwoman Angela Cresswell, who thought efforts to save the teacher had failed.

Mrs Cresswell said she wrote to Mr McKim last week asking him to save the teacher, but Mr McKim had replied on Tuesday saying the teacher would not remain at Bracknell.

She said students, parents and staff had said goodbye to the teacher at a school assembly yesterday.

``We had our final day today and it was an emotional day for everyone, particularly for that teacher because he wanted to stay . . . we did say goodbye to him and we gave him leaving gifts - but we will just forget about that now,'' she said.

``We just couldn't be happier, everyone is so thrilled that there will be some consistency at the school - and also because the teacher is just excellent.

``We're just so happy that there will be some stability for the school and the children and also that our small country school has been valued.''