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Parents at Kings Farm Primary School in Gravesend defend school over Channel 4's Dispatches investigation into exam wrongdoing

Parents have defended a primary school caught up in a TV investigation into cheating the exam system.

Kings Farm Primary School in Gravesend featured on Channel 4’s Dispatches expose entitled Exams: Cheating the System? But parents say the problems are in the past.

The episode, shown on Monday, uncovered claims of cheating at all levels of the education system, with Kings Farm highlighted at primary level.

Reporter Seyi Rhodes spoke to a teacher who revealed some children received help during the tests. Incidents included one child who sat an exam alone and another who was allowed to change their answers.

Kings Farm Primary School featured on a Dispatches investigation into exam cheating
Kings Farm Primary School featured on a Dispatches investigation into exam cheating

The allegations of maladministration led to last summer’s SAT results being scrapped after the Standards Testing Agency, part of the Department for Education, was informed.

According to programme makers, the agency found “serious failures” in the way tests were conducted. Parents have received no official explanation.

A parent interviewed by the programme outside the school gates said: "I’m really angry about it. It’s not a good way for a school to be."

It was also suggested the youngest pupils were given lower marks, to show higher academic improvement later.

Jane Porter is up for a disciplinary hearing
Jane Porter is up for a disciplinary hearing

Speaking outside Kings Farm, parents rejected the findings, which focused on the school under the leadership of former head teacher Jane Porter.

Marie Hardup said: "I thought it was a lot of rubbish what was reported. The children who got the extra help are the ones that needed it.

"My son had his SATS annulled last year and it hasn’t affected him at secondary school at all, it has made little difference to him.

"It was unbalanced and no other primary schools were mentioned.

"I’ve had three children at the school and I have no concerns whatsoever."

However, other mums admitted the programme had raised some concerns.

Susan Fawcett
Susan Fawcett

Mum Susan Fawcett said: "I was shocked but not surprised if I’m honest which is sad in itself.

"I don’t think it is a problem just at this school, a lot of schools have done the same.

"I have seen some improvements but the school needs a push. There are a lot of issues to deal with."

Friends Sheila and Michelle added: "I just think it’s wrong. Why are they talking about our school, we have been named and shamed. We have no problems with the school."

They were not happy with the previous head but added “since the new one the kids are happy”.

Another mum said: "I don’t know why it is being dragged up. The school is doing well."

Sonia Minchell
Sonia Minchell

Sonia Minchell added: "Under the new leadership it is a lot clearer than it was before. It has certainly made a difference with the kids.

"But my son has one more year and I must admit I have thought about moving him. It certainly wasn’t as good as a few years ago which is disappointing."

In September, new head teacher Catherine Taylor was appointed to steer the school out of special measures.

A recent Ofsted inspection said Mrs Taylor had made an “excellent start”.

An excerpt reads: "She is very clear about what needs to be done. The school is more stable and there is an air of optimism.

"Senior leadership is being strengthened rapidly."

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