I AM writing regarding the suspension of Mr Mike Duce, headteacher of Peel Brow, Ramsbottom, over irregularities in the school's SATs (Bury Times, June 5).

I am not aware of the full facts of this matter, but I would like to comment on Mr Duce as a teacher, and head of Peel Brow.

Mr Duce has served Peel Brow for more than 20 years, having taught my husband and three of my four children. As a family we have found him an excellent teacher and a very approachable headmaster. In my experience his main priority is the well-being of the children as a whole, not just the academic side, and he provides the emotional support, the moral guidance and the discipline that all young children need.

Mr Duce runs an exemplary school, as the recent Ofsted report in the Bury Times stated. His staff and pupils are a credit to his hard work and perseverance in what must be an increasingly difficult job.

I feel that I speak for the rest of school when I say that we are all eagerly awaiting Mr Duce's return and hope that it is sooner rather than later.

SARAH TAYLOR,

Higher Old Farm,

Shuttleworth.