A DEPUTY head who changed the exam papers of Year 5 maths pupils has escaped censure by his official watchdog.

John Pugh, who was deputy head at Holy Infant and St Anthony RC Primary at the time, interfered with end-of-year tests for the 2017-18 academic year, a Teaching Agency hearing was told.

He admitted to amending Year 5 exam papers in his own hand after the tests had ended.

The agency alleged his conduct was dishonest or lacked integrity, as he would be reporting final marks which did not reflect what pupils would have achieved for unaided work, which he also accepted.

Mr Pugh admitted that the claims, made at a hearing in Coventry, amounted to unacceptable professional conduct.

The hearing was told that concerns were first raised in June 2017 over the doctored exams.

And so when exams took place in June 2018, it was noted that some maths papers, which had been marked by Mr Pugh, appeared to have altered answers.

He was given two more unchecked papers, by two different pupils, to mark, and these were then reviewed. Answers had again been altered.

Mr Pugh was informed an investigation would then be conducted and though he initially denied the allegations, he later made admissions.

But after considering all the facts in the case Sarah Buxcey, a decision maker on behalf of Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, ruled Mr Pugh should not be prohibited from teaching in future.

She said the deputy head had shown insight into his misconduct and had expressed "true remorse" and regret over his failings.

The panel had taken account of a number of testimonials submitted on Mr Pugh's behalf, outlining his experience and contributions to the profession.

Miss Buxcey added: " It was evident to the panel that Mr Pugh showed true remorse, and fully appreciated the impact his misconduct could have had on pupils, his school, his colleagues and headteacher, and the profession as a whole.

"The panel found his evidence about this to be open, honest, reflective and straightforward. The panel concluded that Mr Pugh had a clear understanding of his wrongdoing.”

She had also noted that because of the actions of his colleague, Mr Pugh's alterations had not resulted in any actual harm to any pupils.

The decision maker also ordered that the facts of the case should be publicised.