Priest and Head Quit School As Finance Probe Launched

Manchester Evening News
June 26, 2013

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/priest-head-quit-fallowfield-school-4711692

Headteacher Paul Jackson (left) and father Tom Connolly

Chair of governors Father Tom Connolly and headteacher Paul Jackson have both retired from their positions at St Kentigern’s RC Primary in Fallowfield

A priest and a headteacher have both quit their posts after investigators were brought in to probe a primary school’s finances.

Chair of governors Father Tom Connolly and headteacher Paul Jackson have both retired from their positions at St Kentigern’s RC Primary in Fallowfield.

Their resignations came after auditors were asked to review the accounts of the school – which is part-funded by nearby St Kentigern’s Church.

It is understood independent accountants were brought in after concerns were raised over a series of payments made over the last academic year amounting to several hundred pounds.

A Diocese of Salford spokesman confirmed the pair had stepped down ‘voluntarily’ and that a joint investigation with Manchester council into the matter was ongoing.

He said: “The Diocese is currently working through its Schools’ Commission with the local authority to resolve this situation.

“This process is ongoing and we cannot comment further until the situation is brought to a conclusion.”

Mr Jackson, who had been headteacher at the voluntary-aided school since 1998, had been due to retire at the end of the current academic year.

He was hailed as an exceptional leader during the school’s last Ofsted inspection – which saw the watchdog give St Kentigern’s a ‘good’ rating.

Father Connolly was chair of governors for more than 20 years before standing down last week.

But speaking to the M.E.N, Fr Connolly said his retirement was not related to the financial probe.

He said: “I have retired. Auditors were brought in but I have not heard anything about it since and I am not aware of what stage the audit is at.

“I did not retire because of the audit, I retired because of a different set of issues all together – other injustices.”

The matter has not been referred to police.

A Manchester council spokeswoman confirmed the town hall had been contacted to help with the probe into the school’s accounts.

She said: “We’re working with the Diocese to ensure the school continues to be a successful school offering the best possible Catholic education.”

Mr Jackson could not be reached for comment.