Ballet school shuts after abuse claims

● Famous ballet school rocked as more than 60 allegations of sex abuse emerge

A renowned Scots ballet school has closed after being rocked by sex abuse allegations.

Argyll’s Ballet West charged £9,000 a year and was partnered with universities across the UK.

But allegations from 60 former pupils and staff about teacher and vice-principal Jonathan Barton, 38, the son of principal Gillian Barton, emerged in an ITV probe amid claims of inappropriate touching and grooming.

A Scottish ballet school, renowned as one of the best in Britain, has closed after being rocked by sex abuse allegations and has gone into liquidation.

Ballet West in Taynuilt, Arygll, charged £9,000 a year and was partnered with universities across the UK.

But allegations from 60 former pupils, staff and parents about teacher and viceprincipal Jonathan Barton, 38, the son of principal Gillian Barton, emerged in an ITV investigation amid claims of inappropriate touching and grooming.

Mr Barton resigned and his mother was suspended, while Police Scotland have launched an investigation.

In the course of this month, educational partners including the University of Bath which accounted for 70 per cent of students, cut ties.

And it has been announced that liquidators have been appointed, while an independent inquiry headed by a QC which was promised has been scrapped due to lack of funds.

A provisional liquidator was appointed at Oban Sheriff Court and the process of winding up will begin, meaning the school will be closed.

Liquidator French Duncan LLP was appointed.

A statement said: “From today Ballet West’s financial affairs and operational responsibility will the managed by the provisional liquidator, and all business activities including residential and outreach activities will cease or be wound-down immediately.

“The Ttrustees of the charity were required to make an application at Oban Sheriff Court due to the recent decisions of some key customers and partner organisations, as the business was no longer financially viable. The charity regulator has also been informed.

“Aware of the recent allegations in the press about individuals and activities at Ballet West, the liquidator will of course assist and make available any information to both Police Scotland and any other regulatory bodies.

“The board of trustees is deeply saddened by this outcome and appalled parent and students have been placed in such a terrible situation. This is the consequence of a catastrophic sequence of events and we could not prevent this from happening.

“We were advised by email late Sunday evening August 9 that ITN had made allegations as a result of which the viceprincipal tendered his resignation on Tuesday 11 August which the board immediately accepted.

“Immediate action was required in response, and the board launched an internal inquiry, committed to an external inquiry and informed Police Scotland.

“These allegations which were broadcast on Thursday, 13 August, were shocking.

“On Friday 14 August, we were informed that Bath Spa University was terminating its relationship with Ballet West with immediate effect.

“This was devastating news for students and the ballet school as Bath Spa students accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the student intake.

“Further to this, we were informed that the Royal Academy of Dance withdrew their accreditation and on Thursday, 20 August, that the Scottish Qualification Authority had given us notice of termination for the HNC/HND courses at the school.

“In short, these developments rendered the business of Ballet West unviable.”