Governors removed at failing academy

Wakefield City Academies Trust (WCAT) has announced it had dissolved the existing governing body at Goole High which it took over last month.

It has also suspended another member of staff at the school as part of an investigation into allegations of exam malpractice.

Last week it emerged seven staff including teachers and support staff had been suspended as part of an investigation. WCAT’s chief executive Alan Yellup, said the initial investigation had focused on online exams. “We have broadened the investigation’s remit to ensure we’re getting to the bottom of any alleged examination malpractice,” he said. “To ensure the process is a fair one, there was a need for a further suspension. I’m confident the team looking into this matter are getting to the bottom of the issues and matters will be resolved as quickly as possible.

“The alleged malpractice is historic but it is our responsibility to sort it out and we will,” Mr Yellup, added.

The trust have informed the Department for Education, Ofsted and exam regulator Ofqual of the developments at the school.

“We have acted swiftly and decisively and I want to reassure the community of Goole about our determination to turn their academy around,” Mr Yellup added.

He said the dissolution of the governing body would help that process, allowing the trust to take a stronger, more prominent role and support senior staff.

A WCAT interim executive committee has replaced the governing body with immediate effect.