An editor who came back into newspapers this year after a spell in journalism training is set to return to academia.

Newsquest Berkshire editor-in-chief Dave King has announced he will quit the company on 6 January to go back to teaching journalism.

Dave, who is responsible for the Reading Chronicle, Bracknell News and Slough Observer, left his role as head of journalism at Portsmouth’s Highbury College to take up the position in March this year.

He replaced Tim Cole, who himself left after only a few months in the editor-in-chief role following the departure of Lesley Potter.

It has also been confirmed that Newsquest Berkshire managing director Amanda Davison-Young has left the company.

A replacement for Dave has not yet been announced and it is understood the role is being advertised internally.

In a message to staff, which has been seen by HTFP, Dave said: “I wanted to drop you a quick note before you heard the news anywhere else that I will be stepping down as editor-in-chief in January.

“My final day will be Friday 6 January. I am going to be moving back into education.

“I have enjoyed my time working with you. As a team you have been first class with your commitment and dedication – often going above and beyond. We have got some great newspapers and websites, produced by a very talented team.”

Before joining Highbury in 2014, Dave had spent more than three decades in journalism and edited the Swindon Advertiser.