UPDATE: 1.45pm

A LAWYER representing a headteacher at the centre of test cheating allegations defended her client today saying her colleagues had taken part in the alleged scam.

Gwylim Roberts-Harry quizzed an education investigator after the former Rogerstone Primary School head Samantha Yeoman was alleged to have "manipulated" national reading and numeracy test to boost results for her pupils.

Mr Roberts-Harry pointed out that teachers, not his client, had taken back pupils into an examination area to allow them to resist part of their tests in May 2013.

He also stressed that teaching staff at the school, not Ms Yeoman, had compiled a list of words for the pupils similar to a "dictionary" which had later appeared in tests.

Mr Roberts-Harry put to school investigator Graham Davies that whether or not they had been instructed to do so, or done so of their own volition, their behaviour had been inappropriate.

Mr Davies agreed with Ms Yeoman's lawyer.

Mr Roberts-Harry also pointed out that there had been no "whistleblowing" by teachers about the alleged maladministration of the tests until this was formally investigated.

Teaching Council presenting officer Emma Burns told the committee there had been a "culture of fear" at the school.

Meanwhile, Mr Davies indicated the teachers may not have been given a handbook or guidance on the tests.

However Mr Roberts-Harry stressed the teachers were experienced and had all conducted exams before.

Mr Davies agreed with him.

Proceeding

UPDATE: 12.05pm

A NEWPORT primary school headteacher acted with a view to manipulate national reading and numeracy tests results so that her pupils would get better grades, a conduct committee heard today.

The former Rogerstone Primary School headteacher Samantha Yeoman faces a string of allegations including having let staff see the test papers before the exams started, let at least one staff member prepare a list of words for pupils to seek to give them an advantage in the tests, and allowed pupils to sit in small groups during the tests.

It is also alleged staff were allowed to highlight to pupils incorrect answers to questions and children allowed to correct their mistakes.

It is alleged that the pupils were allowed more time to complete the papers, allowed to take a break in the middle of the tests and were allowed to re-visit a test paper after it was marked.

It is also alleged that Ms Yeoman attempted to interfere with an independent investigation into the administration of the tests and created a "threatening" and "intimidating" work environment for staff who felt unable to challenge her in connection with the accurate assessment of pupils.

It is alleged that Ms Yeoman changed the content of a teacher's witness statement, arranged for files and emails relevant to the investigation to be deleted and contacted the deputy headteacher Wayne Millard to discuss the investigation, the list of allegations also showed.

The panel heard today that a handout given to pupils included a list of words which later appeared in the tests.

One parent complained to the school governing body because her child got a grade she did not think they could have obtained, the panel also heard.

Meanwhile, a pupil was given extra time during a test because they "panicked" though this was not a valid reason and should not have happened.

The Teaching Council for Wales alleges that she acted with a view to manipulate the test so that pupils received better results.

The Teaching Council also alleges that Ms Yeoman failed to ensure that the National Reading and Numeracy Tests undertaken in the summer term of 2013 were administered in accordance with guidelines set out in the 2013 Test Administration Handbook.

It is further alleged that she signed a headteachers' declaration form stating the National Reading and Numeracy Tests were administered in accordance with the guidelines when she knew that this was not the case.

The Teaching Council for Wales alleges that the allegations if proven would amount to dishonesty and would constitute unacceptable professional conduct if proven.

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

Ms Yeoman is not attending the hearing in Cardiff today but is represented her counsel Gwylim Roberts-Harry.

Proceeding