A former executive headteacher of a Manchester primary school has been struck off after “excessively assisting” pupils with their SATS.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Michael Beresford was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct after admitting to helping students at Oasis Academy Temple (formerly the Temple Primary School) in Cheetham Hill with their SATS in May 2018.
Some pupils were told how to answer questions and to correct wrong answers, while others taking a reading test were allowed to read the passages from the papers before the exam had started.
Mr Beresford told a professional conduct panel earlier this month that while he had no specific memory of the incidents, he recalled “coming away from desks blushing as if I knew I had done something wrong”.
It was ruled that his actions showed “disregard for the significant potential risk to the pupils’ academic future” and caused “damage to the school” in terms of its reputation.
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Despite support from parents and former colleagues – who described him as a “role model” – Mr Beresford was banned from teaching indefinitely.
Allegations initially arose following conversations between pupils and staff at the school, and Manchester City Council was asked to investigate the claims and pass its findings on to the Standards and Testing Agency (STA).
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A total of eight allegations were made against Mr Beresford, and all but one were upheld by the panel.
In a statement, the panel said: “The academic achievements of pupils are at the heart of the teaching profession [and] Mr Beresford completely undermined these fundamental principles.
“The panel recognised the level of responsibility that came with his position as executive principal and Mr Beresford’s role in improving standards in the school, rather than undermining them, [so] accordingly, the panel made a recommendation to the Secretary of State that a prohibition order should be imposed with immediate effect.”
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Mr Beresford could apply for the prohibition order to be set aside – but not until 2023.
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.