All Saints: All quiet two months after dramatic suspensions

AN inquiry into the shock suspension of joint heads at a Huddersfield school has yet to start – almost two months after the move.

Liam Harron and Mary Nixon were suspended of their duties at All Saints Catholic College, Bradley Bar in July because of worries over them raised by two professional associations and one trade union.

None of the details about these worries have been revealed.

But with the school back in action this week, there is no indication when the inquiry will start or how long it will take.

The authorities concerned have also refused to confirm whether the pair are in receipt of full pay during the investigation.

John Fowler, head teacher at Shelley College, has taken over at the 800-pupil school for the foreseeable future and was at his desk for the start of the new term this week.

Mr Harron and Ms Nixon made history in 2004 when they became the country’s first joint head teachers.

Leeds diocesan spokesman John Grady has said they have been suspended pending the outcome of an inquiry conducted into issues at the school.’’

And he added they had been suspended “as a result of a preliminary review by Kirklees Council due to concerns raised by two professional associations and one trade union’’.

The Diocese of Leeds, the local authority and governors are working together to support the college during the inquiry.

Mr Grady said Mr Fowler is an experienced head teacher and “will undertake leadership of All Saints on a full-time basis during the inquiry’’.

He added: “The diocese cannot make a further comment on issues at the school as this would prejudice the outcome for all concerned.”

Kirklees Council and the school has refused to make any further comment about the suspensions.

A letter was sent to parents from the school before the six-week summer break but many say they are still in the dark about the reasons for the dramatic decision to suspend Mr Harron and Ms Nixon and have been given no further information.

Reader forums on the Examiner’s website have included items by parents worried about the future of All Saints.

The school is understood to have seen a dramatic upturn in its GCSE results this summer. It was among several schools in Kirklees threatened with closure under new government plans to tighten up on those who were failing to achieve the benchmark of 30% of all students achieving at least five grade A* to C GCSE passes.