School head suspended on exam charge

THE principal of a second-level school in Co Meath has been suspended following an allegation of impersonation during last month…

THE principal of a second-level school in Co Meath has been suspended following an allegation of impersonation during last month's Leaving Certificate examination.

A Department of Education spokesman said yesterday that "an allegation of impersonation is under investigation".disciplinary inquiry was under way under the relevant legislation.

The then Minister for Education, Ms Breathnach, suspended the principal concerned on June 16th. It is understood the alleged impersonation took place during the Leaving Certificate English examination on June 11th, the first day of the exams.

A Department of Education spokesman stressed yesterday that "only one candidate was involved, so the incident in no way threatens either the security of the exams at that particular centre or generally".

Department sources said this type of incident was "extremely rare" and could not recall any similar occurrence.

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