A science teacher has quit his post at Cromer Academy amid claims pupils were helped in a controlled assessment.

Eastern Daily Press: Cromer Academy Principal Dr Geoff Baker.Cromer Academy Principal Dr Geoff Baker. (Image: Archant)

Stuart Conlon was suspended last week following allegations of 'irregularities'.

Principal Geoff Baker sent a letter to parents and carers explaining the teacher had resigned following a disciplinary investigation.

The school has stressed it was 'an isolated incident' that involved only a handful of Year 11 pupils.

However, work from the entire year group – which counts towards around 25pc of their final grade – had to be re-checked and a number of pupils forced to resit the assessment in controlled conditions.

In his letter, Dr Baker said: 'Last week I was alerted by one of our students to possible irregularities in relation to Controlled Assessment in Science. I investigated this and it quickly became apparent that there was substance to the allegations.

'It was an isolated incident that involved only a handful of Year 11 students. As a consequence I suspended the member of staff concerned and launched a disciplinary investigation, whereupon the member of staff accepted the findings in full and resigned.'

Dr Baker's letter continued: 'The exam board have assured us that this will not have an impact on the outcomes of our students. Consequently, I am confident that any impact on students of this late change will be minimised.

'The parents of the students involved have been contacted, an extension has been granted from the exam board, work from the entire cohort has been thoroughly checked and the few students that this concerned have now completed necessary work in appropriate controlled conditions.'

The principal revealed a new science teacher is due to start at the academy in June as part of previous plans to expand the department.

And he pointed out the existing science team was 'working tirelessly' to prepare the Year 11s for their remaining science exams.

Dr Baker's letter added: 'At our school integrity is prized – it is something we seek to engender in our students and it is something that as staff we seek to model for them. Unfortunately, this member of staff's actions were not in keeping with the high standards that we set here.

'As I am sure you can imagine, our staff team is somewhat shocked by this.'

Anyone with concerns has been asked to contact the school directly.

The EDP was unable to contact Mr Conlon for a comment.