A teacher has been reprimanded for giving pupils exam questions ahead of time in a ‘revision’ booklet.

Kate Darlington was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct while employed at Little Lever School, Bolton, from 2001-2009.

A teaching watchdog found she produced two revision booklets for French GCSE-age pupils to use in preparation for exam, which copied the exact wording of questions in her confidential examiner’s booklet.

In doing so, she ignored the confidentiality and security warning on the front of the book.

As a result of her actions, some pupils had to resit their exams, the General Teaching Council’s professional conduct committee heard.

The committee said: "Having found the facts of the allegation proved, we further find that Miss Darlington’s actions amount to unacceptable professional conduct. She had admitted this."

"We have concluded that the facts justify a finding that Miss Darlington has not exercised her responsibilities in relation to the examination and assessment of achievement and attainment in a fair, transparent and honest way.

"While we had evidence that the actions of Miss Darlington had a serious impact on pupils – a number had to re-sit the relevant examinations and that her actions did not occur accidentally, she admitted what she had done, has shown insight into her failings, and has expressed what we believe to be genuine remorse."

Miss Darlington – of Church Street, Bury – declined to comment last night. In her mitigation, she said she had been under pressure during the introduction of the ‘Asset’ exams, which aimed to be more flexible than traditional qualifications.

The committee heard Miss Darlington was regarded as a ‘good teacher’ and was described as outstanding in one of her testimonials.

The committee ruled that a reprimand ‘would be sufficient to protect the public’.

Miss Darlington has a right of appeal within 28 days.

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