THE HEAD of Tatworth School has spoken out after the announcement that former head teacher, David Knight, has been banned from teaching for life after he fiddled exam results.

David Knight, who was head teacher for more than 10 years at the school, was found to have changed the exam answers on a “considerable number” of Key Stage 2 SATs tests.

He made the changes to answers in maths, spelling and reading tests.

Stephen Clarke, the current head teacher at Tatworth School said: “I know some of you are aware that there have been stories in the local news about our school. This refers to events that happened two years ago involving my predecessor Mr David Knight.

“It is very disappointing for the school to be associated with negative publicity like this especially as there have been lots to celebrate in the last two years. Within a very short space of time the school received a ‘very good’ Ofsted report.

“Since September 2014 we have all worked very hard to offer an interesting and varied curriculum, create a caring environment where all children are valued while maintaining a clear focus on raising academic standards.

“Although the current publicity is certainly unhelpful it shouldn’t detract from a very bright future for Tatworth Primary.”

A National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) panel heard that the school was under pressure to improve after an Ofsted report in 2013 rated it as requiring improvement.

The panel, which met two weeks ago and published its findings today, heard that Mr Knight had a previous good record and had retired from the school in August 2014 after a successful career.

Mr Knight accepted amendments were made but denied he had tampered with papers.

The issue came to light following a review of the 2014 SATs exam papers by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), which found a considerable number of amendments were found, which the NCTL concluded were "more likely than not" made by Mr Knight.

The report added his actions were “unacceptable professional conduct” and said he had fallen “significantly short” of the standard expected.

The NCTL panel added: "His actions were deliberate and he was aware of the importance of following the STA procedures.

"This was a very serious case of maladministration, involving all the school's Key Stage 2 SATs results being annulled."

Mr Knight, who was head teacher from April 2002, did not attend the hearing.

Mr Knight could appeal the ban, but he must do so within 28 days to the High Court.

One parent, who did not want to be named, said: "Parents of the pupils involved have waited a long time for a resolution to this sad saga."