A MALADMINISTRATION investigation is continuing into a Poole primary school, where pupils have yet to receive their national curriculum test results.

The headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Maurice O’Brien, is absent from the Devon Road school for personal reasons, leaving his deputy in charge as the investigation proceeds.

Year 6 pupils had their Key Stage 2 SAT results suppressed this summer while the Standards and Testing Agency carries out its enquiry. The result is expected after the October half-term.

The Daily Echo reported in July that the school was under investigation, the precise nature of which is not known. The SATs tests are taken in English and maths by 11-year-olds in their final year of primary school.

Maladministration refers to any act that affects the integrity, security or confidentiality of the SATs and could lead to results that do not reflect pupils unaided work.

However parents were assured in the summer that their children’s secondary school places were not affected.

Vicky Wales, head of children, young people and learning, Borough of Poole, said: “The results for St Mary’s RC VA Combined School Key Stage 2 National Curriculum Tests are being suppressed by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA).

“The school, with the support of the Diocese of Plymouth and Borough of Poole, as local authority, is fully cooperating with the STA while a maladministration investigation is carried out.

“The outcome of the investigation is expected after the October half-term and we will share it with parents when we are able to.

“Obviously the investigation has been very difficult for everyone at the school. Currently, the deputy head is in charge of the day-to-day running of the school while Mr O’Brien is absent for personal reasons.

“Unfortunately, while the investigation is carried out, STA regulations do not allow us to give any further information at this time,” she added.