A colleague of mine found a vacancy that she was interested in at a local school on the council intranet and then also on the website of a recruitment agency acting on behalf of the school. She twice requested an application pack from the agency, but when this was not forthcoming emailed them to be told the vacancy is no longer available – this a week before the advertised closure date, and while the vacancy was still  on the council’s website. She then contacted the school directly also to be told that the position had been filled.

She was really keen to apply and is unsure whether the school/agency can legally "fill" a position before the advertised closing date – any thoughts or guidance please?