A second primary school in Rochdale has been hit by allegations of cheating in national tests, the M.E.N. can reveal.

Education chiefs say concerns have been raised about this year’s SATs tests at Lowerplace Primary School in Rochdale .

A joint investigation has been launched into suspected ‘maladministration’ of SATs exams by Rochdale council and the Standards and Testing Agency, a body of the Department for Education responsible for the exams.

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Earlier this month the headteacher of another primary school in the town was banned from teaching altogether after admitting doctoring his pupils’ results - however he spoke out to the M.E.N. about the ‘immense pressures’ schools now faced.

But a fresh investigation has now been launched into Lowerplace Primary on Kingsway, which has 400 pupils on its roll and is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

A joint investigation has been launched into suspected ‘maladministration’ of SATs exams at the school

Gail Hopper, director of children’s services at Rochdale council, said: “I can confirm that Rochdale council and the Standards and Testing Agency are conducting an investigation into concerns about the administration of SATs at Lowerplace Primary School for the year 2015/16.

“However, it would not be appropriate to discuss the details of the investigation while it is on-going.”

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A Department for Education spokesperson said: “The Standards and Testing Agency are currently investigating an allegation of maladministration at Lowerplace Primary School.

“As the investigation is ongoing we cannot provide any more information at this stage.”

The school declined to comment.

Jed Morgan, former headteacher of St John’s Primary, in Maclure Road, Rochdale, was banned from teaching indefinitely earlier this month after changing exam papers in 2014.

Mr Morgan, who had been headteacher at St John’s from 2001 to 2014 and a teacher for 40 years, blamed the ‘immense pressure’ of SATs tests and the fear of Ofsted for his actions.

He said: “It was never about me. It was wanting the best for the school at the time.”