Girls’ school headmistress arrested on suspicion of expenses fraud

A LEADING girl’s school headmistress has been sacked as police open a fraud probe into her expenses claims.

Hilary French has been dismissed from her post at Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) following an investigation into allegations of dishonesty relating to expenses, the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) said. Parents were told of Mrs French’s dismissal in a letter on Friday, which also said that the decision was taken after a “rigorous internal process”.

Northumbria Police said in a statement: “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.” The school is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust. The letter to parents, jointly signed by the GDST’S chairman and chief executive, says: “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.”

It also says: “We appreciate this may come as a shock to you, as it has for everyone at Newcastle High School for Girls.

“You may wish to share this news with your daughter. Please be assured that, while our staff can’t discuss any details, if any pupil is affected by this news, she will be supported as always.”

Michael Tippett, the deputy head at the fee-paying school, will become the new head teacher. The GDST letter says that he has “the full support of all the staff at NHSG” adding, “having your support will be invaluable in ensuring that the school can carry on as normal, with your daughters’ education remaining our top priority”.

In a statement, GDST said: “We can confirm that Hilary French has been dismissed from her role as head of Newcastle High School for Girls following an internal investigation into allegations of dishonesty relating to expenses claims.

“We are not able to comment any further about this.

“Mr Michael Tippett has taken over all of Mrs French’s responsibilities relating to the school.”