A HEAD teacher and deputy head of a Newport primary school have temporarily stepped aside as an investigation into how tests were run at their school continues.

In August the Argus reported that the way national tests were conducted at Rogerstone Primary School was found to be open to potential abuse.

Now head teacher Sam Yeoman and deputy head teacher Wayne Millard have been “granted temporary leave” by mutual agreement, according to a letter sent to parents from the chairman of governors, Ernest Watkins.

Mr Watkins wrote he did “not envisage that the arrangements will be in place for the long term and will be dependent upon progress in a pending investigation into the National Reading and Numeracy Tests held earlier this year”.

A recently early-retired head teacher will be appointed as an interim measure, although it is not clear who this is. Later, and dependent on the investigation’s progress, a seconded experienced deputy head could be appointed as an acting head.

One parent, who didn’t want to be named, told the Argus: “It’s shocking and it doesn’t look good for the school at all. Parents are demanding answers.”

But another, who also wanted to remain anonymous, said: “I think they do a good job. I don’t have any beef with them.”

Adele McGill, 29, whose six-year-old daughter, Summer, goes to the school, said: “It’s come as a shock. The head teacher is the person you trust to run the school effectively.”

Rogerstone councillor Chris Evans said it was important people “do not jump to conclusions”.

“What is clear is that when parents raised concerns we acted quickly,” he said.

Fellow councillor and school governor Sally Mlewa emphasised that Rogerstone “is a good school providing a good education.”

A spokeswoman for the Rogerstone Primary School governing body and Newport council said yesterday: “As there is an ongoing investigation it would be inappropriate to comment.”