Head denies charges of misconduct

Richard Wealthall denies eight allegations about his conduct

A head teacher whose school was praised by Tony Blair has denied charges of nepotism and bullying.

Richard Wealthall, 60, former head of St Clement's High School, Terrington St Clement, Norfolk, is accused of unacceptable professional conduct.

It is alleged he employed and promoted family members, his mistress and her family while intimidating other staff.

He told a hearing of the General Teaching Council on Thursday he had treated all staff with equal respect.

Favourable duties

The main allegation is that Mr Wealthall, of King's Lynn, employed and promoted members of his own family, as well as a teacher who was said to be his mistress and her family.

Thursday's reconvened hearing in Birmingham, which was adjourned in May, was told there were six members of staff at the school with whom he was very close.

These included his daughter, who started working at the school on a temporary basis and moved on to become permanent, his son-in-law, who was appointed as a swimming instructor despite claims that he was not fully trained, and his former wife who was given favourable duties as well as a pay rise.

The hearing was told his friend and alleged mistress, Tessa Mountain, was made head of the English department and her husband was appointed an IT technician on what was alleged to be an inflated salary.

It is also alleged the Mountains' daughter was employed on a rolling contract despite concerns about her work.

International reputation

David Harwood, who was chairman of the school's board of governors, said staff had complained to him about a bullying and intimidatory atmosphere, with many reduced to tears at meetings.

He said there was a similar atmosphere at governors' meetings.

Mr Wealthall, who began giving evidence on Thursday, said he had inherited the school in considerable difficulties and in 16 years led it to one with a national and international reputation.

In 2000 the school was named the most improved comprehensive in the country and Mr Wealthall's work commended as "an example to the rest of the county" by Prime Mininter Tony Blair.

'Robust' mangement style

Mr Wealthall said he had not received any complaints about his "robust" management style before his suspension.

He said he had appointed Mrs Mountain as the best person to lead the English department and he had acted with all staff in the same manner, whether they were members of his family or not.

He said he had never met Mrs Mountain or any of her family before her appointment in 1999 and their relationship had remained close but not inappropriate.

Responding to claims that he had abused school resources, Mr Wealthall said the school's budget was reviewed annually by external auditors.

The three-day hearing continues.