AN investigation into the behaviour of a suspended primary school headteacher should be completed this week.

The chairman of governors at St Paul's CE School, Hoddlesden, the Rev Paul Wallington, said staff would be interviewed about alleged breaches of procedure during key stage tests for seven and 11 year olds.

Philip McDermott, 50, was suspended from the school by the board of governors last week amid allegations that he had not carried out the national tests correctly.

The children's tests papers have been sent to the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA) which will examine them for signs that the tests were not properly administered.

If they find evidence that the tests have been tampered with, they will not be marked and the children will be left without proof of their progress.

The Rev Wallington said the governors would work closely with the QCA.

It is the second time Mr McDermott, of Forrest Close, Lostock Hall, has been suspended from the school. Three years ago he was suspended over an alleged incident involving the discipling of a boy.

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