A PRIMARY which was forced to scrap its exam results following an inquiry into how they were conducted has appointed a new man to lead the school — and improve standards.

David Fox has been appointed as temporary head of Washacre Primary School in Westhoughton until a permanent replacement can be found.

Education chiefs describe him as an experienced headteacher and his appointment follows a term leading an outstanding Catholic primary school in Bradford.

Mr Fox is a freelance school improvement consultant.

He sits on the board of interim executive bodies when education bosses have suspended the governing body and taken control of a school.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: “David Fox is a credible and highly experienced headteacher with many years in the role.

“David has been appointed as the interim headteacher of Washacre Primary School. In the meantime, a permanent replacement will be sought with the aim of further improving results and standards at the school.”

Washacre was at the centre of an exam scandal last summer which led to the key stage two SATs results being cancelled by the exam watchdog when “irregularities”

came to light.

An investigation into how exams were conducted was held and, even though it centred on maths, the exam board decided to scrap the English results as well.

Former head Lisa Mitchell resigned in November following ill-health. Parents leapt to the school’s defence, saying it provided excellent support for their children.