13/09/2012

Award Winning Head Teacher Suspended Over Financial Investigation

A former head teacher of the year award winner, credited with turning around a school's fortunes, has been suspended following an investigation into its finances.

Police have been called in to investigate at Quintin Kynaston School in St John's Wood, north-west London.

Jo Shuter, head teacher since 2002, said the allegations were "malicious and vindictive".

She was named head teacher of the year at the 2007 Teaching Awards and appointed CBE in June 2010.

Ms Shuter told BBC London: "There is an investigation process ongoing and I'm not allowed to comment.

"I urge people to wait and see the outcome."

Patrick Lees, who chairs the school's governing body, said: "On receipt of serious allegations relating to the management of the school, governors took immediate action to initiate an investigation and are now referring the matter to the police.

"In order to facilitate this investigation and ensure that pupils' education is not compromised during this process, we have now also taken the decision to suspend the head teacher.

"Governors are seeking to reassure the school community, who will be undoubtedly shocked and unsettled by this news, that the highest priority is being given to the smooth running of the school and to this end, governors are seeking to appoint an interim head teacher as soon as possible."

(H)

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