A PANEL has found all the allegations against a former head of English at Chepstow School not proven.

Kathryn Currie, who appeared at a General Teaching Council for Wales hearing in Cardiff earlier today, was the head of English at Chepstow School between 1990 and 2013.

Currie, who first started teaching at the school in 1986, faced a total of 14 allegations relating to the overall charge of professional incompetence between October 2012 and September 2013. She denied all the allegations and the panel concluded that all allegations were not proven.

The allegations included.

• Failing to ensure that data trackers were used effectively.

• Failing to implement a robust system for moderation, standardisation and/or monitoring progress.

• Failing to evaluate pupil progress and outcomes at key stages three, four and five.

• Failing to carry out all lesson observations for members of the English department.

• Failing to fulfil the basic role of a curriculum leader.

Julie Lamb, a former English teacher who worked at the school from 1999 to 2013, giving evidence today, said Currie was the best head of department she had ever worked with.

She said the whole department was overworked and stressed after September 2012 partly because they were introducing a new scheme of work which was 'unworkable.'

She said three teachers of the English department including Currie went off sickness leave due to stress.

She said:"The new schemes of work were causing us to be ill."

"I couldn't believed what had happened to Kathy. The blatant injustice, her persecution, the humiliation and the culture of silence surrounded by her disappearance - it has disturbed me."

Kathryn Currie, was asked by Rhiannon Dale, presiding officer, if she could explain the five year decline in English results in the school compared with the family cluster of similar schools.

Currie said students had been given 'all the opportunities needed in terms of teaching and learning to reach their capabilities.'

Currie said classes for year 10 and 11 took place at lesson five towards the end of the day which was a barrier in the pupils learning.

Currie said it was her and her teams' work which were responsible for the improvement in GCSE results in 2013.

Geraint Davies, NASUWT, representing Currie, in his closing argument, said: "She gave her life to Chepstow School only to see that being brought to a premature end by actions of a new headteacher.

"Her departure from Chepstow School was a sad day for the school, a sad day for Kathy Currie but a loss to the school because they had lost an exemplary, proficient and professional curriculum leader."