A PRIMARY school head teacher has been dismissed following an investigation into the way SATs tests were carried out.

Sue Wade of Wargrave Primary School in Newton-le-Willows had been suspended earlier this year pending an investigation into the "maladministration" of Key Stage 2 mental arithmetic SATs tests.

Evidence was reported by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) leading to results of affected Year 6 children, who have since moved to secondary school after taking the test in 2015, being cancelled.

An investigation by school governors and the council was carried out leading to Ms Wade being relieved of her duties.

The Star understands she appealed the decision but it proved unsuccessful.

Deputy heads took over the leadership and management of the school following Ms Wade's suspension and the school has now begun the process of recruiting a head teacher.

A St Helens Council spokesperson said: “A detailed investigation was carried out by the council and school governors relating to concerns of maladministration of SATs results involving headteacher, Sue Wade.

“The investigation has now concluded, and as a result, we can confirm that Mrs Wade will not be returning to the school.

“Throughout the course of the investigation, the council has worked closely with the school, its governors and the Diocese - putting interim leaders into place to support the school to ensure that it continues to operate in an effective manner.

“The process of recruiting a new head teacher will now get underway and parents will be informed of any developments.”

Update - August 2018: Mrs Wade has since won a tribunal for 'unfair and wrongful' dismissal over this matter.

Click here for a report on the tribunal