Kidderminster deputy headteacher 'acted dishonestly' by 'falsifying exam papers'

A former deputy headteacher at a Kidderminster school was in breach of 'unacceptable professional conduct' for his part in allegedly falsifying exam documents, a misconduct hearing found. Mark Venross, previously of Continu PlusAcademy, appeared before the Teaching Regulation Agency between September 18 and 20 this year.

The panel looked into allegations his actions in May 2023 had brought the teaching profession into disrepute. The first incident, on May 17, saw Mr Venross distribute PE exam papers in the morning - unaware the exam was scheduled for later in the afternoon.

Upon realising the error, he allegedly attempted to cover it up by asking a colleague the following day to print a blank 'second pair of eyes' declaration form - a document used to confirm the secure handling of exam papers - and fill it in with false information. The panel decided this allegation was proven.

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Mr Venross also submitted an exam board statement and declaration form containing false information, the panel working on behalf of the Secretary of State found. He allegedly admitted completing the form inaccurately knowing it was false - and the panel found he had acted "dishonestly".

In another incident, on May 22, it was alleged Mr Venross and another colleague had discovered an opened bundle of history exam papers. The panel found he had asked his colleague to give a false account of when the papers were discovered. It ruled his actions had constituted dishonesty and lacked integrity.

Mr Venross, who was appointed deputy headteacher at the school in November 2019, was suspended on June 2023 and no longer works at the academy. He was described in character references as a "compassionate" and "supportive" teacher who had positive relationships with staff and students. The panel acknowledged his remorse.

The panel's report read: "Considered that Mr Venross had demonstrated significant remorse, not only in respect of the impact on the school, but also his family, colleagues and the potential impact of his actions on pupils. In his evidence, Mr Venross stated that he is 'continually grateful that [his] out-of-character actions have not adversely affected any of the pupils as this would have been impossible for [him] to live with'."

Marc Cavey, representing the Secretary of State for Education, decided against issuing a prohibition order which would have banned Mr Venross from teaching. Instead, Mr Cavey determined that publishing the findings would be sufficient.

He wrote: "I consider the publication of the findings made would be sufficient to send an appropriate message to Mr Venross as to the standards of behaviour that were not acceptable and that the publication would meet the public interest requirement of declaring proper standards of the profession."

Continu PlusAcademy told BirminghamLive it would not be commenting on the findings.