Head of private school arrested in fraud probe
THE headmistress of a highprofile private girls’ school has been sacked and arrested by police investigating claims of expenses fraud.
Hilary French, 62, was dismissed by Newcastle High School for Girls after the probe into allegations of dishonesty. Parents were told of the sacking in a letter on Friday.
It said the decision was taken after a ‘rigorous internal process’. The school, where fees are up to £13,000 a year, is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust.
It said in the letter: ‘We wanted to make you aware as soon as we were able to that Mrs Hilary French has been dismissed from her post as head of Newcastle High School for Girls following an internal investigation into allegations of dishonesty relating to expenses claims. This is a decision that has been made following a rigorous internal process. The police have also been informed.’
Northumbria Police said they released Mrs French after questioning as the probe continues. It said: ‘A 62-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of committing a fraud against Newcastle High School for Girls. She was later released under investigation and inquiries into the fraud are ongoing.’