THE former headteacher of a Bolton primary school which was slammed by Government inspectors has withdrawn her claim of unfair dismissal.

Miss Angela Smith, the headteacher at the former St Bernard's R.C Primary School, Ladybridge, has reached an agreement with solicitors representing Mike Proctor, who was the chairman of the school governors when she stepped down from her job.

Details of the deal will remain confidential while Miss Smith's agreement to drop her claim effectively closes the file on a case which has been running for almost two years. The saga of the former St Bernard's, which has since amalgamated with neighbouring St Ethelbert's, first hit the headlines in June 1995.

Copies of a hard hitting council report which criticised leadership and management style of 52-year-old Miss Smith, were sent to the BEN and prompted a storm of protest.

In the report the LEA inspectors levelled a number of criticisms at the school and highlighted its policy of making children walk around in their stockinged feet when they forgot their indoor shoes.

The report also criticised the school's poor educational standards and stated that "insufficient regard is taken of the demands of the national curriculum, the professional views of staff or the wishes of parents"

In November of the same year Miss Smith was suspended from her job by the chair of governors Mr Mike Proctor who had held the position for just two days and reports began to filter through of a revolt by "the majority of staff" and many parents at the school.

The suspension prompted a storm of protest among parents who were split into two camps in support and opposition to Miss Smith's leadership style and management skills.

In January of 1996 a team of OFSTED inspectors went into the school and produced a damning inspection report which gave the school just 40 days to draw up an improvement plan.

In the March of that year Miss Smith stepped down and took early retirement.

In April the school drew up a detailed action plan including plans to amalgamate with St Ethelbert's in Deane.

It was felt amalgamation would effectively tackle the issue of poor educational standards at St Bernard's far more swiftly than if the school remained alone.

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