Third head faces claims of changing exam results

A headteacher in Durham has been suspended pending investigation of claims that he was involved in manipulating exam results.

David Horton, of Kelloe primary school, near Durham City, is the third in the region to face allegations of manipulating standard assessment tests (Sats), used in compiling school performance tables.

A spokesman for Durham education authority said: "We can confirm allegations have been made. They are under investigation and a member of staff has been suspended without prejudice."

Two weeks ago, Helen Quick was allowed to resume her teaching career by the General Teaching Council. She had resigned as head of Wyndham primary school, Newcastle, after admitting that she altered science and maths papers.

In June last year, Dave Scott, head of Kirkby and Great Broughton CE primary, near Stokesley, East Cleveland, was suspended over allegations of irregularities in maths tests for 11-year-olds.

Earlier this year, members of the Secondary Heads Association called for league tables to be banned. Some said schools found ways of manipulating Sats results.

Kelloe primary had a favourable Ofsted inspection report in 1999, but inspectors said standards in English and mathematics were "well below that expected". The school has 116 primary and nursery pupils aged from three to 11.

Mr Horton and a governor, Alan Crathorne, declined to comment.