Teacher hits out at 'neglect'

A comprehensive school teacher faces disciplinary action after telling pupils they were being neglected.

Malcolm Walker, a history teacher at Headlands, Swindon, which was placed in special measures in 2002, criticised the management regime in a letter.

"I don't agree with the way staff and pupils have been treated since the new management took over," it said.

A spokeswoman for the LEA said: "It is disappointing that [he] did not ... use internal communication channels."

The letter, to 28 pupils, added: "I think the permanent teachers have been treated without respect and students have been neglected (denied a proper education)."

'Procedural matter'

Mr Walker's actions are set to be investigated by Headlands' associate head Graham Black.

Mr Walker told pupils in his letter that he was leaving at the end of term.

A spokeswoman for the local education authority said: "Swindon Borough Council is aware that a member of staff at Headlands School has independently issued a letter to pupils.

"This is now a procedural matter for the school and LEA to resolve with the member of staff."

David Williams, head of Kingsdown School, is currently executive head at Headlands, which takes pupils aged 11 to 16.

The school would not comment on Monday.