Head teacher fights 'sick note' dismissal

Jill Kidwell turned the school's academic fortunes around

The former head teacher of a north Staffordshire school who claims she was dismissed for failing to fill in a sick note, is taking her case to an employment tribunal.

Jill Kidwell was sacked from her job at St Luke's Primary School, in Silverdale, for gross misconduct in 2002.

At the time she was awaiting emergency surgery for suspected ovarian cancer.

Ms Kidwell, 38, was appointed head teacher in 1999 and was credited with turning round the school's academic fortunes over the following two years.

Feelings I had as a child of being bullied have come back because I feel like I've been bullied out of my job as head teacher Jill Kidwell

But in May 2002 Mrs Kidwell was suspended, then sacked six months later, with the local authority refusing to comment on the reasons for her dismissal.

Ms Kidwell said her treatment brought back memories of being bullied as a child.

"To suddenly find myself sacked at such a low time for me physically and mentally was just devastating.

"Feelings I had as a child of being bullied have come back because I feel like I've been bullied out of my job as head teacher."

'Witch hunt'

Ms Kidwell has the support of David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, who said it was the worst case of bullying he had come across.

Ms Kidwell said she had received many messages of support from parents and pupils.

One parent, Jane McFarlene, said most parents were disgusted by the way Ms Kidwell had been treated.

"It has been a general witch hunt," she said.

The tribunal is expected to take place in the Autumn.

"When my name is cleared, which I'm confident it will be, I will return to education," she said.

"It's the love of my life."

Staffordshire County Council has refused to comment on Ms Kidwell's case.