Teachers changed pupils' exam papers

Two married teachers altered exam papers and destroyed pupils' text books in order to meet government targets. Ann and Michael Gunn faked results at Moorhill Primary School in Cannock in the summer of 2005.

Michael Gunn, from Top Road, Acton Trussell, has been suspended for one year whilst his wife has been allowed to keep her job, but under strict conditions for two years. A General Teaching Council for England hearing held in Birmingham yesterday found the couple guilty of unprofessional conduct.

The GTC were told Mrs Gunn added full stops and capital letters to pupils' literacy exam papers in summer 2005 to give them better scores.

The altered papers resulted in pupils at Moorhill Primary School having to redo the SATS exams, with their scores falling as a result of Mr and Mrs Gunn's actions.

The panel were also told Mr Gunn destroyed children's' maths and English books to disguise their realistic levels of ability.

Chairman of the committee, Ms Gloria Hyatt, said: "Mr Gunn knew these exams were being used to benchmark pupil performance and this would also have an impact on the data relating to the school generally and fellow teachers.

"He failed to maintain appropriate standards of honesty and integrity in the administration of the optional tests."

Mrs Gunn can continue to teach but she must be supervised when dealing with exams and any school who employs her must be told about the terms of her order.

Ann Gunn joined the school in September 1993 and her husband Michael Gunn had been at the school since 1990. The pair both resigned in October 2005.

Marie Smith, deputy headteacher at Moorhill Primary School, said today: "This case was addressed by the school two and a half years ago. This has been hanging over our heads for the last two and a half years and is a GTC decision and we stand by the decision made.

"I can assure our parents that effective systems are in place at the school."

By Shaun Lintern