article_snippet.sent: However, an investigation by this newspaper has discovered that Mr Gale – who became the academy’s first male head when he was appointed to the post 18 months ago
article_snippet.sent: Despite this, the National Union of Teachers appeared to play down the seriousness of the National Union of Teachers conduct.
article_snippet.sent: The governors – who began their investigation following a tip-off – are said to have been ‘stunned’ by a statement to The Mail on Sunday.
article_snippet.sent: It is believed there were also concerns about the way Mr Gale, the former deputy headmaster of all-girl Rosebery School in nearby Epsom, had treated the student differently from other pupils.
article_snippet.sent: Alumni: Former pupils include Kate Melua (pictured) and Olympic gold medallist Joanna Rowsell .
article_snippet.sent: Mr Gale appreciates that this placed governors in a difficult situation given that rumours could have a negative effect upon the reputation of The school.
article_snippet.sent: Chairman of governors, Tony Hyams-Parish, said in a letter to parents this month:
article_snippet.sent: This was not an easy decision, especially because we recognise that since Peter Gale’s appointment there have been many positive changes within the school led by Peter and the senior leadership team.
article_snippet.sent: However, the governing body and staff take the governing body and staff safeguarding responsibilities towards students very seriously and, importantly, any breaches of safeguarding procedures, and have therefore acted promptly to address these matters.
article_snippet.sent: ’ Carol Dickie, the school
article_snippet.sent: ’s bursar, said the education of the 1,200 pupils would be unaffected by the sacking, despite the education of the 1,200 pupils coming just weeks before GCSE and A-level exams.