THE headteacher at a leading Trafford school resigned on the eve of an Ofsted inspection.

Messenger has learned Stretford Grammar head, Peter Cookson, no longer held his when the inspectors visited on February 10.

The vacant post at the Granby Road school was filled by current head of Sale Grammar School, Dave Wilson, on February 12, and who is now juggling both headships.

When contacted by Messenger this morning the school refused to comment on Mr Cookson’s departure - who was in charge during last autumn’s entrance exam fiasco which saw hundreds of pupils given the wrong mark - or if his exit was related to the Ofsted inspection.

But Trafford’s director of education, Chris Pratt, took the unusual step of issuing a press release today, predicting a bad Ofted report for the school next week.

“Stretford Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 10 February, and that the report, to be published any time, is expected to be critical of elements of school performance,” he said.

"However, we understand inspectors recognised the many positive aspects of the school including the good personal development and well-being of pupils, the positive attitudes found among students, good attendance and behaviour, the feeling of safety and security in the school, positive pupil/teacher relationships, high staff morale and the good teaching and learning in the sixth form. All of this gives significant encouragement for the future.

"Decisive steps have been taken to tackle the school's situation and make sure the leadership of the school improves as quickly as possible. By doing this we are confident the school's fortunes will be turned around quickly, something all pupils will benefit from.”

Do you have a child at the school? What have you been told? What do you think? Contact the newsdesk on 908 3388.