The executive headteacher of Broadford Primary School has been suspended from duty whilst an investigation into allegations of cheating in exams takes place.

Romford Recorder: Broadford Primary School.Broadford Primary School. (Image: Archant)

A letter was sent to parents today (Wednesday, September 5) informing them that Malcolm Drakes will not be at either Broadford or Mead Primary school while independent investigators carry out their enquiries.

The letter states that Mr Drakes will not be available at either school, however headteachers, Mrs Nicholls (Broadford Primary) and Mrs Smith (Mead Primary) will be available as usual.

Back in July the Department for Education confirmed the results of Key Stage 2 English reading and maths papers at Broadford Primary School, in Faringdon Avenue had been annulled.

The school is run by Havering Council and was placed into special measures in 2011 but has worked its way up to be currently rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

Romford Recorder: Head teacher, Malcolm Drakes from Broadford Primary School in Romford, London on September 17, 2014. Photo: Arnaud StephensonHead teacher, Malcolm Drakes from Broadford Primary School in Romford, London on September 17, 2014. Photo: Arnaud Stephenson (Image: Archant)

It was named primary school of the year and overall school of the year at the 2017 Times Educational Supplement (TES) awards.

In the letter to parents, the school’s chair of governors and headteachers said: “We are committed to ensure that your child’s educatonal experience remains at the usual high standrad and will be unaffected by this situation.

“We will of course provide you with further information as and when it becomes available.”

The full letter sent to Mead School parents states: “Dear parents, you may be aware that the results from Broadford Primary School for the Key Stage 2 English reading paper and one of the Maths papers have been annulled by the Standards and Teaching Agency (STA) following an investigation into the administration of the 2018 key stage 2 tests.

Romford Recorder: Broadford Primary School.Broadford Primary School. (Image: Archant)

“The governing board and local authority have commissioned and independent investigation across the federation to ensure that the facts of the situation are properly established.

“We very much hope to complete the investigation as quickly and efficiently as possible but we must make you aware that whilse this process takes place Mr Drakes will not be available at school.

“Mrs Smith will of course be available as usual.

“We are committed to ensure that your child’s educatonal experience at Mead remains at the usual high standrad and will be unaffected by this situation. We will of course provide you with further information as and when it becomes available.”

The letter to Broadford parents states the same.