A LONG-SERVING headteacher has been “removed” from her post as headteacher at West Linton Primary School following a damning inspection.

Parents were informed of the decision by Scottish Borders Council in a letter.

Hilary Elliott had been criticised in a report from Education Scotland which highlighted “significant failings” at the new £9million school which opened in the town last year.

However, at the Tweeddale Area Forum held in West Linton Primary School on Wednesday night, her employers at Scottish Borders Council denied that there was a witch-hunt against her.

West Linton community councillor Graham Tulloch said: “There have been a lot of failings over the years but it’s not just the headteacher’s fault. I am concerned that this is turning into a witch-hunt and don’t feel it should be laid at her door.” But Scottish Borders Council depute chief executive Jeanette McDiarmid responded: “This won’t turn into a witch-hunt - I can assure you of that.” The meeting heard temporary headteacher Grace Frew, who has been described as “an experienced headteacher with an excellent track record”, will take over the role until a permanent replacement can be found.

And councillors were told parents have already seen a “positive difference”.

Mrs McDiarmid said: “I was extremely disappointed by the inspector’s report.” But she added: “We can’t put the blame purely at the door of the headteacher - we need to see where the failings are within Scottish Borders Council.” When asked if Mrs Elliot would return, she replied: “I can’t say definitely she will come back. There are some sensitive issues going on that I can’t discuss.” The Peeblesshire News has reported that senior council officers have been working with the school, the parent council and Education Scotland since the inspection in May. And they have vowed to continue to do so to make sure the necessary actions are implemented to ensure improvement.

Tristan Compton, chair of the school’s parent council, said: “This was a very bad report and puts West Linton in among the worst five to 10 per cent of schools in Scotland and it is quite clear that there are a lot of things that need to be done.

“For me the most important issue is the significant failings in literacy and numeracy - this needs to be addressed in the classroom as soon as possible.

“There was a meeting last week after the report came out and 140 parents attended. We got a lot of feedback and different parents had different concerns for their children.

“The headteacher was present and she did accept that she should take some of the responsibility for the school’s failings but SBC should have given her more support.

“We have a super school building in West Linton and the children that come out of it are decent and well-mannered. It’s quite possible to turn this round quickly. The potential is there and there’s no reason why we can’t do it.” But he added: “I do feel that SBC should have been monitoring the school more closely and if they had done they would have picked up on the issues so much earlier.” The report, which claimed “the headteacher does not have a clear vision for the school”, also noted that staff had not made enough progress in developing a common understanding of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Tweeddale West councillor Catriona Bhatia said: “This report is most concerning for parents. If the children’s school fails them it could have a significant impact on their life.” But she added: “I am sure Grace Frew will do a great job in getting the school back on track.”