Head of primary suspended in exams inquiry

The action against Michael Schofield was taken after the Qualification Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) began an inquiry into procedures at Haxby Road Primary School.

York Council bosses have stressed that the move is a “precautionary” suspension while the investigation is carried out into the handling of the national curriculum tests at the city school.

Mr Schofield has been suspended by the school’s governing body and a temporary head has now been appointed.

The assistant director of education at York Council, Jill Hodges, said: “At the request of the school’s governing body an independent investigation is being carried out into whether there has been any maladministration relating to the year six tests at Haxby Road Primary School.

“As a result of the continuing investigation the head teacher of Haxby Road Primary School has been placed on a precautionary suspension from duty while the investigation is concluded.

“Please note that this is not a disciplinary sanction. Martin Eldred has been appointed as the school’s temporary acting headteacher, to lead the school during the head teacher’s absence. Mr Eldred started his interim post on Tuesday. Mr Eldred has worked for many years as a primary school headteacher in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and also in their school improvement service. He is very experienced and has worked with a number of primary schools where short-term support was needed.

“We appreciate that this is a difficult situation for staff, parents and children and we are working closely with the school’s governing body to keep parents fully informed of developments.”

The key stage two standard assessment tests in English and maths are carried out by pupils in year six at the end of their primary school education. The QCDA, which is being abolished by the Government, defines maladministration as “any act which could jeopardise the integrity, security or confidentiality of the tests, or produced results not reflected the unaided work of pupils”.