THE head teacher of a successful primary school has been charged with a sex attack on a child.
Peter Berry, head at Great Moor Junior School in Stockport, faces a charge of gross indecency with a child under 16.
Mr Berry, 45, head for 14 years, made a first appearance before magistrates in High Peak, Derbyshire, yesterday.
The charge relates to an alleged incident in 1991 in Tintwistle, Glossop, before Mr Berry worked at the school.
Mr Berry, who lives in Stockport, was suspended from his position when the allegations first surfaced in January. Derbyshire Police confirmed that he was charged on May 21.
He will appear before magistrates again next month where the case is expected to be committed to the crown court. No plea has been entered.
Education bosses have written to parents of all pupils at the school, which shares a site with Great Moor Infant School on Southwood Road.
Allegations
The letter, signed by Stephen Martlew, chairman of governors, and Richard Bates, Stockport council's director of learning, does not tell parents of the exact allegations.
It says: "As you know Mr Berry, head teacher of Great Moor Junior School, has not been in school since January 2009. At that time the local authority was informed of an allegation made against him.
"Whilst the allegation related to matters some 17 years ago and prior to him working for Stockport, a decision was made that he should not return to school until the results of any investigation were known.
"This is not an easy time for all concerned."
It says deputy head Kate Bushaway and an assistant head teacher have jointly become the acting head.
In a statement, Stockport council said: "We will continue to provide support to ensure that the education of the children is not affected."
The school has 326 pupils and is one of Stockport's best-performing primaries. Its last Ofsted report rated it as `outstandingly effective' and praised its leadership.