A FORMER Newport headteacher dishonestly manipulated national reading and numeracy tests to boost results, a Teaching Council for Wales today proved and has been has been struck off from the teaching register.

Former Rogerstone Primary school head Sam Yeoman denied a string of allegations relating to unacceptable professional conduct.

However, the following were all found proven by the Teaching Council:

• Staff were allowed to have sight of the test papers prior to the start of the tests.

• Ms Yeoman acted dishonestly with a view to manipulate the test results so that pupils received better test results.

• She created a threatening and intimidating work environment for staff with the effect that staff felt unable to challenge her in connection with the accurate assessment of pupils.

• At least one member of staff was allowed to prepare a list of words for pupils in order to seek to give the pupils an advantage when taking the tests

• Pupils were allowed to sit in small groups whilst sitting the test papers.

• Pupils were allowed to have additional time to complete test papers, where there was no justification or entitlement for the additional time.

• Staff were allowed to highlight to pupils incorrect answers to questions.

• Pupils were allowed to revisit incorrect answers so that they could correct any mistakes.

• Pupils were allowed to re-visit test papers after the papers were marked.

• Ms Yeoman had signed the headteacher’s declaration form that stated the tests were administered in accordance with the guidelines, when she knew this was not the case.

• She placed undue pressure on staff to agree unrealistic targets for pupils; and collated portfolios of samples of pupils’ work at unrealistic levels.

• Ms Yeoman attempted to interfere with the independent investigation into the administration of the tests by instructing Mrs Loizos to include specific information in her witness statement; and failing to inform the investigating officers that documentation and files had been removed and deleted.

However, it was not proved that Ms Yeoman arranged for some pupils to receive additional support, which included an excessive use of modelling, thereby leading to pupil’s work not being independent so that they were assessed at levels that were higher than justified.

It was also not proved that, on 23 September 2013, Ms Yeoman arranged for files relevant to the independent investigation to be removed from the school and computer records relevant to the investigation be deleted.

Ms Yeoman did not appear at the hearing in Cardiff and was represented by her counsel, Gwylim Roberts-Harry.

In a statement given yesterday, she said she accepted there were some breaches, but said they were beyond her control and against her instructions. She admitted that some pupils were allowed extra time and that some were allowed to sit in groups.

Ms Yeoman had been put on paid leave by the governing body of the school and resigned on January 31, 2014.

She cannot apply to return to the register for three years, when an Education Workforce Council will then deem whether her "character is acceptable".

Jacquie Turnbull, chair of the professional conduct committee, said that no lesser sanction than a prohibition order would "maintain public confidence" in the profession.

She said: “Prior to Ms Yeoman’s senior management role, there were no concerns about her conduct. But, she did not supply supportive references.

“In a drive to deliver results, she lost sight of the purpose of the tests. There was an unacceptably high level of anxiety and stress for staff.

“This is a particularly serious case of misconduct over a lengthy period of time, with direct consequences.”

She added: “A headteacher should be a role model to colleagues, pupils, and parents.

“She acted dishonestly, with a serious lack of insight. This is fundamentally incompatible with the role of headteacher.

“No lesser sanction would see confidence in the profession maintained.”

Ms Yeoman has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days from today.

The current headteacher of Rogerstone Primary School has said that “relationships and trust have broken down" following a "difficult period" for the school.

Upon the Teaching Council for Wales delivering their verdict, the current head of the school, Steve Rayer, who was in attendance, gave a statement to the media.

Mr Rayer said: “On behalf of the staff and governors at Rogerstone Primary School, we are very pleased that the GCTW hearing is over.

“The school and community have been through a significantly difficult period, a period where relationships and trust broke down.

“With our culture of working together, the governing body, parents, and staff can now draw a line under this and continue to move the school forward, providing the best possible education for our children.”

He added: “I would like to thank all the governors and parents of Rogerstone’s learning community for the support they have given the staff during this very difficult time.

“I am very proud and privileged to be head of Rogerstone Primary School, a school that is full of smiles, hardworking staff, and very happy children.”

City and Community Councillor for Rogerstone Chris Evans said: "When parents, a lot of mums and dads, first contacted me with their concerns, I was faced with a choice, the choice was, whether to believe the parents and kids, or listen to those who choose to ignore them. There were those that said the parents were exaggerating, I recall one person saying 'it's only children telling their parents stuff' well, when we stop listening to our children, thats when we should be really worried.

"The trust we place in teachers, head teachers is something we do, without thinking, that's the way it should be, for someone to betray that trust, to say 'it's ok to cheat' is wrong, just wrong, and, the youngster knew this.

I would however say, to those who chose not to initially believe the children, that they should take a good long look at themselves and I will also be asking for Newport City Council to look into the way this was initially handled.

"We need to learn the lessons, we need to listen to parents' concerns and complaints, whether they be about 'testing' or, the safety of routes to school.

"Rogerstone Primary now as a great headteacher, and a excellent chair of governors. The teachers, under this new leadership are providing a first class education for our kids, and, the kids are brilliant."