Inquiry call after claims school is ‘broken’

EXCLUSIVE: ‘Hellish atmosphere’ for staff

An MSP has called for an investigation into an alleged staffing crisis at a Perth secondary school.

Rumours have been circulating for weeks regarding the situation at Perth High School’s English department, with an insider stating five English teachers are currently off – three as a result of stress – amid claims of bullying and “a hellish atmosphere.”

Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, has demanded a meeting with Sheena Devlin, the council’s head of education, to discuss the matter.

The insider claimed the problems began in May last year and suggested an external investigation had taken place in December.

Perth and Kin ross Council declined to comment though it is understood Ms Devlin has agreed to discuss the issue with Mr Stewart.

The local authority also declined The Courier’s request for an interview with Perth High’s headteacher, Thirza Pupillo.

The English department at a Perth school “is broken” and its staff and pupils have been “badly let down”.

That’s the claim of an insider with ties to Perth High School who alleges that the atmosphere at its English department has “gone steadily downhill”.

The whistleblower, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed problems began at the English department back in May last year, and suggested an external investigation into the situation took place in December.

The insider said: “Each day you go in you don’t know who is going to be off. The staff are worn down by it all and the atmosphere is hellish.

“Clearly staff and pupils are being badly let down.”

The insider also claimed five English teachers are currently off – three due to stress – amid claims of bullying.

The shocking allegations follow recent incidents where pupils at Perth High and Perth Academy were accused of engaging in anti-social behaviour near the schools.

The head teacher of Perth High issued a warning after she received reports of vandalism, stone throwing and fights between pupils.

Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, has pledged to discuss the situation with Sheena Devlin, head of education with Perth and Kinross Council.

He said: “There’s no smoke without fire and I’m very concerned about the allegations levelled at Perth High School.

“There would appear to be difficulties in the English department that require to be managed and I asked the education director to discuss the state of play here.

“She’s indicated that she would like to speak to me. I want clarity on this as these allegations need to be addressed.”

Councillor Willie Wilson, whose constituency includes the Oakbank area of Perth, revealed he is “aware of problems” at the school and stated he will do all he can to help solve them.

“I’m aware of challenging staffing issues at the English department of Perth High School,” he said.

“I will continue to help support the school and the education service to try to resolve the situation.

“There are no easy solutions due to the current shortage of teachers.”

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council declined to comment on the matter and also refused our request for an interview with head teacher Thirza Pupillo.

There’s no smoke without fire and I’m very concerned about the allegations levelled at Perth High School. ALEXANDER STEWART MSP