A GOVERNOR and parent of children at Wheatley Park School has spoken out to defend the school, fearing its reputation has been sullied by the actions of two former teachers.

Wheatley Park School parent governor Mark Bhagwandin’s stand came after a former deputy-headteacher at the school was jailed for historic sex abuse, and a geography teacher was banned from teaching for fiddling her students’ grades.

The 39-year-old father-of-two said: “My children have been going to Wheatley Park for seven years.

“They have achieved great things at the school and they’ve been very happy here.

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“I worry that people will look at these stories and get the wrong impression.”

On December 4 the Oxford Mail revealed that former head of geography Anne Vendy had been banned from teaching by the National College for Teaching and Leadership after manipulating students’ work to boost their overall marks.

Headington resident and parent governor Mr Bhagwandin said the news about Anne Vendy had come as a shock, but should not sully the reputation of the school.

Mr Bhagwandin, who works as publicity officer for a charity, said: “We were surprised when we heard the news about the geo- graphy teacher. My son was taught by her and he always liked her. The headmistress spoke to us and we were reassured as the school had done their own investigation.

“The reason why the teacher was sacked was because the school was proactive in improving standards.”

Mr Bhagwandin’s 18-year-old son Victor was previously taught by Ms Vendy.

The Year 13 student said: “I definitely think this was an isolated case. I’ve received great teaching at Wheatley Park in my time here and teachers give extra help in lunchtimes or after-school classes.”

On December 6 the Mail reported that Roger Kerr, a former deputy headteacher at Wheatley Park, had been jailed for seven years at Aylesbury Crown Court on three counts of abusing teenage boys between 1999 and 2002. Kerr, 52, who had moved to Surbiton, worked at the school between 1989 and 2002 and committed the offences while working there.

Mr Bhagwandin, whose 17-year-old daughter Marisa also attends sixth form at Wheatley Park, said: “These offences occurred over 12 years ago and now the school has strict safeguards in place to ensure children’s well-being is taken care of. The school has achieved some great things like 68 per cent A* to C grades in GCSEs – above the national average of 59 per cent – and has been awarded the Artsmark Gold award for the fourth time.”

Headmistress of Wheatley Park School Kate Curtis said: “The two stories being published in such a short space of time could give a negative impression of the school.

“Parents are very satisfied with the school, we have high attainment and a dedicated staff.”

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