The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) expressed concern today over the transfer of a number of heads of school.

In a statement, the union said that while the deployment of state school heads was a prerogative of the government, it could not understand why the results of audit exercises were not taken into consideration when decisions were being taken.

"Heads who have been found to be effective are being transferred just the same to the detriment of the schools, community and purposes of continuity."

The union said it was also concerned after it received complaints about lack of consultation with respective Officials who were not given reasons about their deployment.

"The MUT expects that heads of schools are given more feedback about the performance of their leadership. The Union also hopes that a situation is not created whereby heads cannot create a long-term development plan for their school for fear of unanticipated changes," the union said.

When contacted, a spokesman for the union said that at least six heads of primary schools had been transferred.