A HEADTEACHER for Darlington's largest primary school is likely to be appointed at a meeting today.

The Northern Echo has seen a confidential report that reveals that Sheila Williams, wife of council leader Councillor John Williams, has been recommended for the post at Whinfield Primary School.

The position at the 630-pupil school has arisen because of the controversial amalgamation of Whinfield Infant and Junior schools.

Mrs Williams is head of the infant school and the report, by Darlington Borough Council's director of education, Geoff Pennington, said she "has the suitable qualifications, experience and ability to undertake the role".

The new school's temporary governing body is advised to appoint Mrs Williams with effect from September 1.

Lynn Thompson, former chairwoman of the junior school's governing body, said she believed the job should be advertised nationally.

She said: "It may well be that Mrs Williams is the right person for the job, but it should be done fairly, with a national advert. It's too big a gamble for the school otherwise."

A council spokeswoman said: "We are doing it absolutely to the letter of the law by outlining to the governing body that they have got two choices.

"The governing body might decide it wants to go to national advert or it might decide to appoint if it feels the person meets the strict criteria. The report is not saying they have got to appoint them."

The junior school's former headteacher, David Ackroyd, moved to North Road Primary School last year. Pauline Wood is the school's acting headteacher.