THE board of governors at a primary school has been replaced because it did not effectively investigate an admin error which led to the annulment of its maths SATs exams.
An Interim Executive Board (IEB), a type of temporary governing body, has taken over the running of South Norwood Primary School.
Its Key Stage 2 SATs results were declared void in 2013 after the Standards and Testing Agency found evidence that raised doubt over the validity of the children's maths results.
A council spokesman confirmed this week that Nicky Morgan, Secretary of State for Education, and Ofsted had given the go-ahead for an IEB to take over. The governors were replaced on January 20.
The school's head teacher, Della Williams, said the imposition of the IEB had been "unsettling for all members of the school community", but she reassured parents over the change.
She said: "As a staff we are continuing to provide the very best learning for every single one of our children. We are a 'good' school and we continue to provide good and outstanding teaching to all of our children."
Mrs Williams also said she was working with the IEB to ensure the school was being run smoothly.
The board is due to meet with parents and an introductory letter was sent out to parents after their appointment, she added.
One mum at the school, Lucy Senior, said she was "shocked and saddened" that the governors had been replaced.
In a letter to Nicky Morgan, she said: "I feel that you are trampling over my wishes and feelings as a parent without even bothering to find out what they are."
South Norwood Primary was rated 'good' by Ofsted following its last inspection in 2012.
The council's spokesman confirmed the imposition of the IEB does not mean the school has been placed in special measures.
He said: "The Secretary of State for Education, Ofsted and Croydon Council have agreed that the previous governing body of South Norwood Primary did not carry out its duties effectively in investigating the maladministration that led to Key Stage 2 SATs maths tests being declared void in 2013.
"Governors at every publicly maintained school have a duty to complete all internal investigations, and to do so in good time.
"These new, vastly-experienced governors have written a letter to introduce themselves to all staff, pupils and parents.
"Croydon Council will support this temporary board of governors, and we have every confidence they will work to bring a rapid and thorough conclusion to their investigation while they continue to lead the school for the benefit of all pupils and staff."
