School head replaced pupil's exam with photocopy

Clawton Primary School in Holsworthy, Devon

A primary school head has been banned from teaching indefinitely after he replaced a pupil's exam with a photocopy of another student's work.

Christopher Wright, 52, former head of Clawton Primary School in Devon, was prohibited following a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel on 14 May.

Mr Wright officially left the school in August 2018 but was referred to the TRA in November of the same year.

The panel found several failings concerning safeguarding, reasonable adjustments for SEND children and permitting pupils to amend exam answers after the allocated time.

Conduct fell 'significantly short'

The TRA said the incidents related to the academic year 2017 and 2018.

It said Mr Wright was employed as headteacher in 2003 before Ofsted received complaints in 2018, which led to an investigation.

Devon County Council (DCC) scheduled a visit to the school in July which revealed further education and safeguarding failures.

"That same day, a pupil disclosed to a member of staff that Mr Wright had swapped their work with another child for the purposes of external Statutory Attainment Tests (“SATs”)," the panel document said.

Mr Wright admitted the allegations and did not ensure time limits were strictly followed during some exams.

'Acted dishonestly'

The panel found the conduct of Mr Wright fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession.

The panel said: “The range of failings, the impact and potential impact of his actions on pupils and the fact that he acted dishonestly in the context of public assessments were significant factors in forming that opinion.”

The TRA decision, made by David Oatley, said the prohibition meant Mr Wright would be unable to teach in any school, sixth form college or relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England.

He may apply for the prohibition order to be set aside, but not until 21 May 2027 at the earliest.