‘I’LL CLEAR MY NAME...’
Educating Grt Manchester head in vow after school suspension
DREW Povey – the headteacher of the Salford school made famous by the Educating Greater Manchester TV programme – has vowed to clear his name after being suspended.
He and three other members of staff from Harrop Fold High were sent home on Thursday after an internal investigation which has already lasted for several months.
But Mr Povey told the M.E.N.: “I can confirm I am suspended. It is completely and utterly unfair. I will clear my name and the name of the school. I’m speaking to my legal team.”
Charismatic Drew, 40, appeared to show commendable leadership qualities, humour, and support and passion for his pupils and staff in the hit series however the M.E.N. understands recordkeeping at the school is now under investigation.
He became the unexpected star of the Channel 4 fly-on-the-wall documentary about his school.
Drew, who has been at the school for 12 years and head for eight, saw all his efforts rewarded in 2013 when the school – previously branded one of the worst in the city – was graded “good” by Ofsted.
He Tweeted on Thursday: “Pressure is something we all have to encounter. Face it head on, do not allow it to phase you, keep strong, do the right thing and keep on going. Forwards not backwards is your destination. #HandlePressure #BeSuccessful.”
In another recent tweet he said; “Yes it’s easier to go with the flow. But sometimes it’s necessary to swim against the current. It takes guts and strength to stand alone and be counted. #BeCounted #DoWhatsRight.”
Coun Lisa Stone, lead member for children’s and young people’s services confirmed four members of staff have been suspended and said: “The matter is being dealt with according to the school and council’s procedures.
“We cannot comment further but the council is supporting the school to provide stability until the end of the academic year. Our priority is the students and we will support the school to make sure their educational needs are met so they can achieve the best possible outcomes.”
The school is due to feature in a new series of Educating Greater Manchester with TV crews due to return in September.