It seems that PH and Dr Spin are trying to work their magic again, by telling us, parents love Loretto. With over 600 pupils they managed to get eight positive responses to the Parent Survey. I wonder if PH and Dr Spin shredded the remaining 592 responses. As we have seen before The Inner Circle is so open and honest, it's hard to believe they are so silly to publish this. I would image this is a feeable attempt to try and get more full fee paying pupils to replace the ones that have left due to their bully tactics. Also surprising that PH returned from holidays last Wednesday, and within three days we saw the bully boy tactics removing Grim Rupert's excellent blog, and the publishing of this spin on the schools website. Also if there are eight positive comments, are there eight people in The Inner Circle and they all wrote one each? Why not publish a name against each as these parents are so happy, I can't imagine them stopping this. What will happen next?
What do our Parents say about Loretto?
31 July 2010 Published On Loretto Website
We are currently carrying out some research with parents asking for their feedback and suggestions for improving our website and online electronic communications. Within this survey we have encouraged parents to give us parental quotes about the School. Here is a selection of some comments from parents this week.
Parent comments:
"Our son is so happy at school that he tries anything that is on offer & has discovered talents across a wide range of activities. I am sure that at a larger school he would not have had the personal success that the Nippers has supported him to achieve. Loretto Nippers really is a special place with a true family atmosphere and genuine warmth from teachers to pupils and their families. We are so grateful to the staff for going the extra mile and making his time there so much fun which in turn has led to good academic and co-curricular achievment."
"Loretto Junior School provides an excellent environment for children to grow and flourish. The academic staff encourage each child in their areas of strength while offering support and development in weaker subjects. The range of extra-curricular activities and organised sport is second to none and the growth in my children's confidence and capabilities since starting at Loretto has been most impressive."
"As a relatively small school pupils are expected to contribute to all aspects of school life thus giving each child a well rounded education, producing well balanced, politely confident young adults."
"Loretto is a very friendly, family oriented school. My son has had great experiences at the school,in the happy time he has spent in Seton House, the fun he has had participating in the rugby and cricket teams, the exciting experiences in the navy CCF and Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. He is very much looking forward to the new challenges of the 6th form. The school provides an excellent broad education and has had a very enjoyable time at Loretto."
"We chose Loretto for our daughters after looking at a number of Scottish Independent schools. We had confidence we had made the right choice and it has proven to have surpassed our expectations."
"I love Loretto School, I have four children attending and the school helps to keep us closer as a family and meets the different needs of my children. The staff are very supportive and encouraging, and the school provides a varied and inspiring curriculum."
"Large enough to be a progressive school, but small enough to call it your family!"
"We send our children to Loretto for a traditional all round education governed by common sense principles but also set in a modern approach to matters academic. It is a friendly school and care must be taken to maintain this atmosphere and not to become over rigorous as to unnecessary discipline."
If you are a parent and have not completed this survey which has been sent to your email address please contact marketing@loretto.com and we will send you a link to the survey again. Many thanks to all the parents who have completed this to-date.
Monday 2 August 2010
Sunday 1 August 2010
The Scotsman & Edinburgh Evening News Articles
Headteacher at top school faces bullying claim
Published Date: 02 July 2010
By SHAN ROSS
AN employee at one of Scotland's most exclusive private schools has claimed she suffered a miscarriage after being bullied by the headmaster, a tribunal has heard. Fiona Gordon is suing Loretto School in East Lothian over alleged sex discrimination after she claims she was targeted for taking maternity leave. Mrs Gordon, 41, claims head teacher Peter Hogan started bullying her after she told the £8,700-per-term school that she was pregnant. Mrs Gordon had held the post of director of admissions at the school for nine years. he claims that two weeks before she returned to work from maternity leave she received a letter making her redundant which stated she could reapply for other jobs which were available but at a lower salary. Yesterday, she told an employment tribunal in Edinburgh that she was informed of changes to her employment just one month before she was due to give birth. And she claimed that she miscarried a different pregnancy because of the stress of the job when she returned from maternity leave. She told the panel: "When I was eight months' pregnant I was told alterations would be being made to my terms and conditions at work, and to the department.
"When I returned to work in January this year decisions had been made during that time which in effect meant I had been demoted. I believe the changes would not have been made if I were not pregnant at the time, and taking maternity leave." Mrs Gordon went on to described the effect that the miscarriage had on her, leading to sick leave between February and March this year. Her voice broke as she told the tribunal: "My husband and I were pregnant with another baby but subsequently lost it which I believe was due to the stress of this situation." She added: "I have been very ill and have had to receive counselling after we lost our baby."
A spokesman from the school said last night: "Loretto will play a full and supportive role throughout the employment tribunal proceedings and will defend the school's position on any issues raised during the process."
There are five charges in total - all relating to sex discrimination - for which evidence will be given over the next six days as the hearing continues.
Mr Hogan, who took up his post at Loretto at the end of 2008, was previously warden - a position equivalent to headmaster - at Llandovery College, one of the most prestigious private schools in Wales. He has forged formal links with Edinburgh Napier University, believed to be the first scheme of its kind in Scotland in which pupils will attend business lectures at the university next year as part of a scheme to give senior school students an advantage in the battle for a university place. Historic seat of learning with a long list of famous alumni LORETTO school in Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland's oldest boarding school, was founded in 1827 by the Reverend Thomas Langhorne. Famous pupils include politicians Alistair Darling, the former Labour Chancellor, Fergus Ewing, the SNP MSP and Norman Lamont, the former Conservative Chancellor. Sporting heroes who studied at the school include international rugby player Paul Clauss, Jim Clark the two-time formula one World Champion, and AGG Asler, international cricket and rugby player. Other high-achieving former pupils include Hew Lorimer, sculptor and Andrew Marr, journalist and writer,
The School is made up of two parts - the junior school ("The Nippers") for children aged three to 12 and the senior school for those aged 12 and over. In 1981, girls joined the sixth form and in 1995 the third form, making the school fully co-educational in 1997. Its historic campus includes the famous Pinkie House as well as a 300 seat theatre and 600 seat Chapel. Pupils attend as boarders, flexi-boarders and day pupils. specific house.
Head 'was reassuring pregnant colleague'
Date: 07 July 2010
A HEADTEACHER accused of bullying his pregnant colleague was trying to be reassuring to her when he said his wife had been made redundant for taking maternity leave, it was claimed yesterday. Peter Hogan, 48, head teacher of private school Loretto, is being investigated at an employment tribunal after admissions director Fiona Gordon lodged a complaint about his behaviour after she announced her pregnancy.
Mrs Gordon, 41, from Edinburgh, claims she was faced with sex discrimination after telling her boss she would need time off to have her baby.
Ailsa Carmichael, representing on behalf of the £8,700-a-term school, said Mr Hogan elaborated on the statement in which he allegedly told Mrs Gordon "that will not happen here". Ms Carmichael said: "Mr Hogan continued to inform you that he was not annoyed by your pregnancy, in fact, what he actually told you was: 'don't worry that will not happen here - children are we teachers' livelihood." The hearing continues.
Loretto school admission director wins sex discrimination
Published Date: 09 July 2010
AN admissions director at a top boarding school, Loretto, has won £8,000 after suing the school over alleged sex discrimination. Fiona Gordon, 41, took the East Lothian private school to an employment tribunal in Edinburgh because she felt she had been treated unfavourably following the announcement of her pregnancy. She said head teacher Peter Hogan, 49, had threatened her with redundancy when she told him she would be going on maternity leave. When she returned to the job she said it had been made redundant as the department was in the midst of being restructured. She was offered a more junior post, which also meant a drop in salary.
The tribunal awarded Mrs Gordon £3,000 for loss of earnings, after her return to work was delayed while the department was being reshuffled. She was also awarded a further £5,000 for 'injury to feelings', as she claims the stress of the situation caused her to lose another baby. Mrs Gordon had been looking for £19,000, a large proportion which was to cover her legal fees.
Mr Hogan joined the school as head teacher in August 2008, and told the tribunal earlier in the week that he had planned to review every department in the school from the first day he got there. He said: "I had been planning for a while to review the way in which each department was staffed. "I was restructuring the department, yes, but that did not mean Mrs Gordon would be out of a job." After hearing evidence from other employees at the £8,700-a-term school, lawyer Ailsa Carmichael made her closing statement in which she argued that there had been no sinister reason behind Mrs Gordon's department being re-structured. She said: "We have heard from a number of witnesses who worked at the school during the review period and they all agree it was going to happen long before Mrs Gordon went off on maternity leave."
Employment judge Stewart Watt agreed and said he could see the school was due to re-organise for a long time before Mrs Gordon left, but the school had breached maternity regulations by hindering her as she tried to resume her previous job under the same conditions. He said it was best for everybody to sort the issues out so everyone knows where they stand, as they are still in an employment relationship. He said: "Mrs Gordon clearly loves her job and seems to be highly regarded by her employers. "There appears to be have been no ulterior motive to make Mrs Gordon redundant during the review of the department, the only motive was to try and better organise the school. "However, maternity law states that the claimant should have been allowed to return to her job under the same terms and conditions as before she left, and it is our opinion that the school was in breach of this for a period."
Mrs Gordon, whose daughter is now 18 months old, did not wish to comment on the result as she is still an employee at the school, but appeared visibly disappointed as she bolted out of the hearing with her husband Iain, 50.
A Loretto School spokesman said: "The tribunal judge was clear in his findings that the school at no point acted with an ulterior or blameworthy motive and that the breach of maternity leave regulations was quickly corrected.
"Mrs Gordon has now returned to the school and we are all focusing on preparations for the new academic year."
Loretto School was founded in 1827, and with around 530 pupils in total, it is set across two campuses in Musselburgh. The junior school takes children from ages 3 to 12, before they move up to the senior school until age 18.
Published Date: 02 July 2010
By SHAN ROSS
AN employee at one of Scotland's most exclusive private schools has claimed she suffered a miscarriage after being bullied by the headmaster, a tribunal has heard. Fiona Gordon is suing Loretto School in East Lothian over alleged sex discrimination after she claims she was targeted for taking maternity leave. Mrs Gordon, 41, claims head teacher Peter Hogan started bullying her after she told the £8,700-per-term school that she was pregnant. Mrs Gordon had held the post of director of admissions at the school for nine years. he claims that two weeks before she returned to work from maternity leave she received a letter making her redundant which stated she could reapply for other jobs which were available but at a lower salary. Yesterday, she told an employment tribunal in Edinburgh that she was informed of changes to her employment just one month before she was due to give birth. And she claimed that she miscarried a different pregnancy because of the stress of the job when she returned from maternity leave. She told the panel: "When I was eight months' pregnant I was told alterations would be being made to my terms and conditions at work, and to the department.
"When I returned to work in January this year decisions had been made during that time which in effect meant I had been demoted. I believe the changes would not have been made if I were not pregnant at the time, and taking maternity leave." Mrs Gordon went on to described the effect that the miscarriage had on her, leading to sick leave between February and March this year. Her voice broke as she told the tribunal: "My husband and I were pregnant with another baby but subsequently lost it which I believe was due to the stress of this situation." She added: "I have been very ill and have had to receive counselling after we lost our baby."
A spokesman from the school said last night: "Loretto will play a full and supportive role throughout the employment tribunal proceedings and will defend the school's position on any issues raised during the process."
There are five charges in total - all relating to sex discrimination - for which evidence will be given over the next six days as the hearing continues.
Mr Hogan, who took up his post at Loretto at the end of 2008, was previously warden - a position equivalent to headmaster - at Llandovery College, one of the most prestigious private schools in Wales. He has forged formal links with Edinburgh Napier University, believed to be the first scheme of its kind in Scotland in which pupils will attend business lectures at the university next year as part of a scheme to give senior school students an advantage in the battle for a university place. Historic seat of learning with a long list of famous alumni LORETTO school in Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland's oldest boarding school, was founded in 1827 by the Reverend Thomas Langhorne. Famous pupils include politicians Alistair Darling, the former Labour Chancellor, Fergus Ewing, the SNP MSP and Norman Lamont, the former Conservative Chancellor. Sporting heroes who studied at the school include international rugby player Paul Clauss, Jim Clark the two-time formula one World Champion, and AGG Asler, international cricket and rugby player. Other high-achieving former pupils include Hew Lorimer, sculptor and Andrew Marr, journalist and writer,
The School is made up of two parts - the junior school ("The Nippers") for children aged three to 12 and the senior school for those aged 12 and over. In 1981, girls joined the sixth form and in 1995 the third form, making the school fully co-educational in 1997. Its historic campus includes the famous Pinkie House as well as a 300 seat theatre and 600 seat Chapel. Pupils attend as boarders, flexi-boarders and day pupils. specific house.
Head 'was reassuring pregnant colleague'
Date: 07 July 2010
A HEADTEACHER accused of bullying his pregnant colleague was trying to be reassuring to her when he said his wife had been made redundant for taking maternity leave, it was claimed yesterday. Peter Hogan, 48, head teacher of private school Loretto, is being investigated at an employment tribunal after admissions director Fiona Gordon lodged a complaint about his behaviour after she announced her pregnancy.
Mrs Gordon, 41, from Edinburgh, claims she was faced with sex discrimination after telling her boss she would need time off to have her baby.
Ailsa Carmichael, representing on behalf of the £8,700-a-term school, said Mr Hogan elaborated on the statement in which he allegedly told Mrs Gordon "that will not happen here". Ms Carmichael said: "Mr Hogan continued to inform you that he was not annoyed by your pregnancy, in fact, what he actually told you was: 'don't worry that will not happen here - children are we teachers' livelihood." The hearing continues.
Loretto school admission director wins sex discrimination
Published Date: 09 July 2010
AN admissions director at a top boarding school, Loretto, has won £8,000 after suing the school over alleged sex discrimination. Fiona Gordon, 41, took the East Lothian private school to an employment tribunal in Edinburgh because she felt she had been treated unfavourably following the announcement of her pregnancy. She said head teacher Peter Hogan, 49, had threatened her with redundancy when she told him she would be going on maternity leave. When she returned to the job she said it had been made redundant as the department was in the midst of being restructured. She was offered a more junior post, which also meant a drop in salary.
The tribunal awarded Mrs Gordon £3,000 for loss of earnings, after her return to work was delayed while the department was being reshuffled. She was also awarded a further £5,000 for 'injury to feelings', as she claims the stress of the situation caused her to lose another baby. Mrs Gordon had been looking for £19,000, a large proportion which was to cover her legal fees.
Mr Hogan joined the school as head teacher in August 2008, and told the tribunal earlier in the week that he had planned to review every department in the school from the first day he got there. He said: "I had been planning for a while to review the way in which each department was staffed. "I was restructuring the department, yes, but that did not mean Mrs Gordon would be out of a job." After hearing evidence from other employees at the £8,700-a-term school, lawyer Ailsa Carmichael made her closing statement in which she argued that there had been no sinister reason behind Mrs Gordon's department being re-structured. She said: "We have heard from a number of witnesses who worked at the school during the review period and they all agree it was going to happen long before Mrs Gordon went off on maternity leave."
Employment judge Stewart Watt agreed and said he could see the school was due to re-organise for a long time before Mrs Gordon left, but the school had breached maternity regulations by hindering her as she tried to resume her previous job under the same conditions. He said it was best for everybody to sort the issues out so everyone knows where they stand, as they are still in an employment relationship. He said: "Mrs Gordon clearly loves her job and seems to be highly regarded by her employers. "There appears to be have been no ulterior motive to make Mrs Gordon redundant during the review of the department, the only motive was to try and better organise the school. "However, maternity law states that the claimant should have been allowed to return to her job under the same terms and conditions as before she left, and it is our opinion that the school was in breach of this for a period."
Mrs Gordon, whose daughter is now 18 months old, did not wish to comment on the result as she is still an employee at the school, but appeared visibly disappointed as she bolted out of the hearing with her husband Iain, 50.
A Loretto School spokesman said: "The tribunal judge was clear in his findings that the school at no point acted with an ulterior or blameworthy motive and that the breach of maternity leave regulations was quickly corrected.
"Mrs Gordon has now returned to the school and we are all focusing on preparations for the new academic year."
Loretto School was founded in 1827, and with around 530 pupils in total, it is set across two campuses in Musselburgh. The junior school takes children from ages 3 to 12, before they move up to the senior school until age 18.
Wales Online Report
Bully claim teacher tells of trauma as settlement agreed
Apr 22 2010 By Claire Miller
A FORMER teacher who claimed a culture of bullying forced him out of one of Wales’ most prestigious private schools said the past five years had been “extremely traumatic”. Maths teacher Albert Jones claimed Peter Hogan, the former warden at Llandovery College – a position equivalent to head teacher – had subjected him to a campaign of harassment and worked to undermine him when he worked at the school between March 2003 and August 2005.
An employment tribunal began on Tuesday into Mr Jones’ claims against the boarding school for constructive and unfair dismissal. Mr Jones had told the hearing other staff had testified during grievance processes at the school that the warden was a “bullying control freak” and that the chair of trustees had also expressed concern about Mr Hogan’s behaviour. But the two sides reached a settlement yesterday, leading to the case being dismissed. Neither side would discuss the settlement’s details yesterday.
Mr Jones, who is married with six children, said: “This has been an extremely traumatic time for my family. “I’m very relieved that we have reached a settlement. I’m very pleased with the settlement. “I sincerely believe it’s been worth it. It’s been a long, long haul. I feel it was very much the right thing to do.” Mr Jones said he was planning to stay in teaching despite his experiences at Llandovery College.
He had told the tribunal that despite initially believing senior staff were pleased with his work, the warden launched capability proceedings against him in May 2004, leading him to feel pressured to take a demotion to curriculum manager. Despite agreeing to the demotion, Mr Jones said the pressure from Mr Hogan continued, with the warden threatening him with a dismissal hearing in September 2004 if he did not take a further step down to maths teacher. Concerned about what was happening, Mr Jones contacted the chair of trustees David Mansel-Lewis for advice. Mr Jones said: “The chair told me the trustees had already been concerned about the way he [Mr Hogan] had acted toward other members of staff. “He said ‘The man is a bully, I’m glad you’re standing up to him’.” After taking the chair’s advice to accept the demotion and launch a grievance procedure at the school, the panel recommended Mr Jones be reinstated as curriculum manager but found that Mr Hogan had not acted to intimidate Mr Jones or held a grudge against him. Mr Jones said Mr Hogan, who is now headmaster at Loretto Senior School in East Lothian, Scotland, continued to try to force him out, launching a dismissal hearing, claiming his persistent allegations against the warden and his deputy were undermining the ability of senior staff to carry out their work. After being dismissed, Mr Jones launched an appeal, calling other members of staff, former teachers and parents to testify about the bullying he had experienced. He said head of girls’ sport Veronica Evans had told a dismissal appeal in June 2005 that Mr Hogan’s wife had commented that Mr Jones had better watch himself as Peter had it in for him. “Her description of me being hounded is very pertinent, this is exactly how I felt,” he said. “The sentiment that the warden is a power-mad, bullying control freak further confirms my treatment. She confirms that this is not the first time she’s witnessed the warden undermining and bulling staff.” While his appeal was successful, he was suspended from his job pending a special meeting of the trustees. He left the school soon after.
Ian Hunt, the current warden of the school, said after the tribunal: “It is very important to not become distracted by events and personalities who have long since departed the college. “The priority here in 2010 at Llandovery College for all of our community is very much to focus on the educational journey of our pupils.”
Apr 22 2010 By Claire Miller
A FORMER teacher who claimed a culture of bullying forced him out of one of Wales’ most prestigious private schools said the past five years had been “extremely traumatic”. Maths teacher Albert Jones claimed Peter Hogan, the former warden at Llandovery College – a position equivalent to head teacher – had subjected him to a campaign of harassment and worked to undermine him when he worked at the school between March 2003 and August 2005.
An employment tribunal began on Tuesday into Mr Jones’ claims against the boarding school for constructive and unfair dismissal. Mr Jones had told the hearing other staff had testified during grievance processes at the school that the warden was a “bullying control freak” and that the chair of trustees had also expressed concern about Mr Hogan’s behaviour. But the two sides reached a settlement yesterday, leading to the case being dismissed. Neither side would discuss the settlement’s details yesterday.
Mr Jones, who is married with six children, said: “This has been an extremely traumatic time for my family. “I’m very relieved that we have reached a settlement. I’m very pleased with the settlement. “I sincerely believe it’s been worth it. It’s been a long, long haul. I feel it was very much the right thing to do.” Mr Jones said he was planning to stay in teaching despite his experiences at Llandovery College.
He had told the tribunal that despite initially believing senior staff were pleased with his work, the warden launched capability proceedings against him in May 2004, leading him to feel pressured to take a demotion to curriculum manager. Despite agreeing to the demotion, Mr Jones said the pressure from Mr Hogan continued, with the warden threatening him with a dismissal hearing in September 2004 if he did not take a further step down to maths teacher. Concerned about what was happening, Mr Jones contacted the chair of trustees David Mansel-Lewis for advice. Mr Jones said: “The chair told me the trustees had already been concerned about the way he [Mr Hogan] had acted toward other members of staff. “He said ‘The man is a bully, I’m glad you’re standing up to him’.” After taking the chair’s advice to accept the demotion and launch a grievance procedure at the school, the panel recommended Mr Jones be reinstated as curriculum manager but found that Mr Hogan had not acted to intimidate Mr Jones or held a grudge against him. Mr Jones said Mr Hogan, who is now headmaster at Loretto Senior School in East Lothian, Scotland, continued to try to force him out, launching a dismissal hearing, claiming his persistent allegations against the warden and his deputy were undermining the ability of senior staff to carry out their work. After being dismissed, Mr Jones launched an appeal, calling other members of staff, former teachers and parents to testify about the bullying he had experienced. He said head of girls’ sport Veronica Evans had told a dismissal appeal in June 2005 that Mr Hogan’s wife had commented that Mr Jones had better watch himself as Peter had it in for him. “Her description of me being hounded is very pertinent, this is exactly how I felt,” he said. “The sentiment that the warden is a power-mad, bullying control freak further confirms my treatment. She confirms that this is not the first time she’s witnessed the warden undermining and bulling staff.” While his appeal was successful, he was suspended from his job pending a special meeting of the trustees. He left the school soon after.
Ian Hunt, the current warden of the school, said after the tribunal: “It is very important to not become distracted by events and personalities who have long since departed the college. “The priority here in 2010 at Llandovery College for all of our community is very much to focus on the educational journey of our pupils.”
Press Complaints Commission
Complainant Name:
Mr Peter Hogan
Clauses Noted: 1
Publication: WalesOnline
Complaint:
Mr Peter Hogan, former Warden of Llandovery College, complained to the Press Complaints Commission that - following the settlement of a dispute being heard at an employment tribunal between the College and Mr Albert Jones - the newspaper had only reported the views of Mr Jones and the current College administration. He considered that the article had been misleading by omission of his position.
Resolution:
The matter was resolved when the PCC negotiated the addition of the following statement to the online version of the article:
As Headmaster it was my duty to look into serious matters raised in relation to Mr Jones and to deal with them appropriately. The allegations of bullying later made against me by Mr Jones were investigated by the Board of Governors and overseen throughout by Sir David Mansel Lewis (now deceased) - it came as a great relief when these allegations were not upheld.
The events in question were complex and took place over five years ago. I am sorry that Mr Jones has been so upset and that matters could not have been resolved earlier. Then as now I bear him no malice. I hope he can put this difficult time behind him and I wish him every success in his current teaching post.
Peter Hogan
Date Published: 14/06/2010
Mr Peter Hogan
Clauses Noted: 1
Publication: WalesOnline
Complaint:
Mr Peter Hogan, former Warden of Llandovery College, complained to the Press Complaints Commission that - following the settlement of a dispute being heard at an employment tribunal between the College and Mr Albert Jones - the newspaper had only reported the views of Mr Jones and the current College administration. He considered that the article had been misleading by omission of his position.
Resolution:
The matter was resolved when the PCC negotiated the addition of the following statement to the online version of the article:
As Headmaster it was my duty to look into serious matters raised in relation to Mr Jones and to deal with them appropriately. The allegations of bullying later made against me by Mr Jones were investigated by the Board of Governors and overseen throughout by Sir David Mansel Lewis (now deceased) - it came as a great relief when these allegations were not upheld.
The events in question were complex and took place over five years ago. I am sorry that Mr Jones has been so upset and that matters could not have been resolved earlier. Then as now I bear him no malice. I hope he can put this difficult time behind him and I wish him every success in his current teaching post.
Peter Hogan
Date Published: 14/06/2010
East Lothian Courier Reports
Published: Thursday, 6th May, 2010 8:15am
'I'm no bully'
THE headmaster at exclusive county school Loretto has vehemently denied he carried out a sustained campaign of harassment which led to the resignation of a maths teacher while he was in charge of a private Welsh school. Peter Hogan, who has held the top position at Loretto for the past 18 months, was accused of being a "bullying control freak" by maths teacher Albert Jones while he was in charge as warden of the exclusive Llandovery College. Mr Jones took his grievance to a Cardiff employment tribunal last month, but the matter between the school and Mr Jones was resolved following just two hours of evidence. Following a decision to demote him, Mr Jones, a married father-of-six, claimed Mr Hogan then continued to hound him by launching a dismissal hearing, and after leaving the school Mr Jones then began his employment appeal on the grounds of constructive and unfair dismissal. The alleged offences took place between March 2003 and August 2005. The case was dismissed on the second day of the hearing after Llandovery College and Mr Jones reached a settlement on April 21.
Mr Hogan told the Courier: "Mr Jones was the subject of complaints from teaching staff, pupils and parents and as head of the school at the time it was my duty to look into the matters. Unfortunately, as it transpired Mr Jones interpreted the investigation into his conduct as a form of bullying. But, I categorically deny any form of harassment of Mr Jones ever took place by myself or any of the school's staff.
"The tribunal only heard two hours of evidence from Mr Jones before he settled with the school, but had the tribunal run its course it would have heard evidence from myself and fellow staff members totally refuting all of these allegations. "The settlement was between the school and Mr Jones and had nothing to do with me. I was completely exonerated by the board of trustees, one of whom was a barrister, who looked into the matter. "I hold no grudge against Mr Jones and wish him every success in his new employment."
During his evidence Mr Jones reportedly claimed fellow staff members agreed with him concerning his treatment by Mr Hogan, but Mr Hogan has hit back - claiming he only conducted an internal investigation into Mr Jones' teaching practice following complaints by school staff, pupils and parents. It's been reported that Mr Jones, who began teaching in 1981, told the tribunal that the first 18 months of his employment went well, however in May 2004 Mr Hogan informed him he was implementing capability procedures over concerns about his performance. During an internal hearing in June 2004 Mr Jones agreed to take a lower position, but with the same employment conditions, following claims he would be subject to strict guidelines if he continued as director of studies at the school. He claims he was then asked to accept a further demotion to maths teacher after Mr Hogan, claimed he had usurped his authority over subject management. Mr Jones subsequently contacted the chair of the school's trustees, Sir David Mansel-Lewis, about the way he was being treated by Mr Hogan. And while Mr Mansel-Lewis allegedly advised Mr Jones to accept the demotion but to immediately instigate grievance procedures against the decision, a three-man panel of trustees subsequently found that Mr Hogan had not acted to intimidate Mr Jones or that he held a grudge against him.
Published: Thursday, 1st July, 2010 9:28am
Leading school faces employment tribunal
EXCLUSIVE Loretto School faced the first day of an employment tribunal yesterday (Thursday).
Mrs Fiona Gordon, who worked at the senior school’s admission department, is claiming she was discriminated against during her maternity leave.The tribunal, held at the employment tribunal offices in Edinburgh, is due to last for seven days.A spokesperson for Loretto School said: “Loretto will play a full and supportive role throughout the tribunal proceedings and will defend the school’s position on any issues raised during the process.”Loretto’s headmaster Peter Hogan was also involved in an employment tribunal earlier this year when a former staff member at Llandovery College, Wales, accused him of bullying. Mr Hogan denied all of the allegations levelled against him, and the tribunal was resolved after just two hours of evidence.
Published: Thursday, 15th July, 2010 9:28am
Police probe launched after Loretto complaint
LOTHIAN and Borders Police is said to be under investigation by the Crown Office following a complaint from a member of the public over its handling of abuse claims at Musselburgh’s exclusive Loretto School.
It is thought the complainer is unhappy over how the police force dealt with allegations of an assault on a pupil at the £8,700-a-term private school.
The force’s Chief Constable, David Strang, is president of Loretto’s former-pupils society, and Alistair Darling, the former-Chancellor, also attended the school.
A Crown Office spokesman said: “After a complaint from a member of public, the area procurator fiscal is reviewing papers relating to an investigation by Lothian and Borders Police.”
A spokesman for Loretto School said: “We would fully co-operate if any further investigation was needed.”
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said: “We are awaiting the outcome of the Crown Office review.”
Meanwhile, an admissions director at Loretto School has won £8,000 after suing the school over alleged sex discrimination. Fiona Gordon took to the school to an employment tribunal claiming she had been treated unfairly following the announcement of her pregnancy.
It has been reported that headmaster Peter Hogan had threatened her with redundancy when she told him she would be going on maternity leave. When the 41-year-old returned to work she, is reported as saying, her position had been made redundant as the department was in the midst of being restructured.
'I'm no bully'
THE headmaster at exclusive county school Loretto has vehemently denied he carried out a sustained campaign of harassment which led to the resignation of a maths teacher while he was in charge of a private Welsh school. Peter Hogan, who has held the top position at Loretto for the past 18 months, was accused of being a "bullying control freak" by maths teacher Albert Jones while he was in charge as warden of the exclusive Llandovery College. Mr Jones took his grievance to a Cardiff employment tribunal last month, but the matter between the school and Mr Jones was resolved following just two hours of evidence. Following a decision to demote him, Mr Jones, a married father-of-six, claimed Mr Hogan then continued to hound him by launching a dismissal hearing, and after leaving the school Mr Jones then began his employment appeal on the grounds of constructive and unfair dismissal. The alleged offences took place between March 2003 and August 2005. The case was dismissed on the second day of the hearing after Llandovery College and Mr Jones reached a settlement on April 21.
Mr Hogan told the Courier: "Mr Jones was the subject of complaints from teaching staff, pupils and parents and as head of the school at the time it was my duty to look into the matters. Unfortunately, as it transpired Mr Jones interpreted the investigation into his conduct as a form of bullying. But, I categorically deny any form of harassment of Mr Jones ever took place by myself or any of the school's staff.
"The tribunal only heard two hours of evidence from Mr Jones before he settled with the school, but had the tribunal run its course it would have heard evidence from myself and fellow staff members totally refuting all of these allegations. "The settlement was between the school and Mr Jones and had nothing to do with me. I was completely exonerated by the board of trustees, one of whom was a barrister, who looked into the matter. "I hold no grudge against Mr Jones and wish him every success in his new employment."
During his evidence Mr Jones reportedly claimed fellow staff members agreed with him concerning his treatment by Mr Hogan, but Mr Hogan has hit back - claiming he only conducted an internal investigation into Mr Jones' teaching practice following complaints by school staff, pupils and parents. It's been reported that Mr Jones, who began teaching in 1981, told the tribunal that the first 18 months of his employment went well, however in May 2004 Mr Hogan informed him he was implementing capability procedures over concerns about his performance. During an internal hearing in June 2004 Mr Jones agreed to take a lower position, but with the same employment conditions, following claims he would be subject to strict guidelines if he continued as director of studies at the school. He claims he was then asked to accept a further demotion to maths teacher after Mr Hogan, claimed he had usurped his authority over subject management. Mr Jones subsequently contacted the chair of the school's trustees, Sir David Mansel-Lewis, about the way he was being treated by Mr Hogan. And while Mr Mansel-Lewis allegedly advised Mr Jones to accept the demotion but to immediately instigate grievance procedures against the decision, a three-man panel of trustees subsequently found that Mr Hogan had not acted to intimidate Mr Jones or that he held a grudge against him.
Published: Thursday, 1st July, 2010 9:28am
Leading school faces employment tribunal
EXCLUSIVE Loretto School faced the first day of an employment tribunal yesterday (Thursday).
Mrs Fiona Gordon, who worked at the senior school’s admission department, is claiming she was discriminated against during her maternity leave.The tribunal, held at the employment tribunal offices in Edinburgh, is due to last for seven days.A spokesperson for Loretto School said: “Loretto will play a full and supportive role throughout the tribunal proceedings and will defend the school’s position on any issues raised during the process.”Loretto’s headmaster Peter Hogan was also involved in an employment tribunal earlier this year when a former staff member at Llandovery College, Wales, accused him of bullying. Mr Hogan denied all of the allegations levelled against him, and the tribunal was resolved after just two hours of evidence.
Published: Thursday, 15th July, 2010 9:28am
Police probe launched after Loretto complaint
LOTHIAN and Borders Police is said to be under investigation by the Crown Office following a complaint from a member of the public over its handling of abuse claims at Musselburgh’s exclusive Loretto School.
It is thought the complainer is unhappy over how the police force dealt with allegations of an assault on a pupil at the £8,700-a-term private school.
The force’s Chief Constable, David Strang, is president of Loretto’s former-pupils society, and Alistair Darling, the former-Chancellor, also attended the school.
A Crown Office spokesman said: “After a complaint from a member of public, the area procurator fiscal is reviewing papers relating to an investigation by Lothian and Borders Police.”
A spokesman for Loretto School said: “We would fully co-operate if any further investigation was needed.”
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said: “We are awaiting the outcome of the Crown Office review.”
Meanwhile, an admissions director at Loretto School has won £8,000 after suing the school over alleged sex discrimination. Fiona Gordon took to the school to an employment tribunal claiming she had been treated unfairly following the announcement of her pregnancy.
It has been reported that headmaster Peter Hogan had threatened her with redundancy when she told him she would be going on maternity leave. When the 41-year-old returned to work she, is reported as saying, her position had been made redundant as the department was in the midst of being restructured.
Has Anyone Been In Contact?
I feel as concerned parents, and observers regarding the scandals at Loretto School we must put our comments to the Governors. It has also surprised me that while Grim Rupert's Blog was going it seemed that the ex-teachers who held Loretto in their hearts didn't speak up. I wonder if a gagging clause had been placed on them. Has anyone been in touch with HMcL (Hector Nichol) or RS (Mr Nipper), I'm sure they would be able to throw some light on exact actions of Hulk and The Inner Circle. On The Grim Rupert Blog the addresses of Governors was very shortly posted, before being forced to be removed by Dr Spin, has anyone sent letters to them, and what was the reply?
This group of people are able to hire and fire, and as fee payers we have the right to question their actions. Did they know about the AJ case when they employed Hulk? If they did, how did Hulk handle this? If they didn't, surely there is a case for dismissal, without paying any compensation as Hulk failed to disclose or lied his way into the post.
This group of people are able to hire and fire, and as fee payers we have the right to question their actions. Did they know about the AJ case when they employed Hulk? If they did, how did Hulk handle this? If they didn't, surely there is a case for dismissal, without paying any compensation as Hulk failed to disclose or lied his way into the post.
Cops Face Probe On Posh School Inquiry
Cops face probe on posh school inquiry
'Assault' ... Loretto School
published: 09 Jul 2010 Scottish Sun
A POLICE force is under investigation over a probe into abuse claims at a top private school.
The Crown Office review follows a complaint from a member of the public.
It is believed the person was unhappy over how Lothian and Borders Police dealt with allegations that a pupil was assaulted at Loretto School in Musselburgh, East Lothian.
The force's Chief Constable, David Strang, is president of Loretto's former pupils society. Ex-Chancellor Alistair Darling also attended the £8,700-a-term school.
The probe into the officers' actions is thought to be almost complete. Last night a Crown Office spokesman said: "After a complaint from a member of public, the area procurator fiscal is reviewing papers relating to an investigation by Lothian and Borders Police."
A spokesman for Loretto School said: "We would fully co-operate if any further investigation was needed."
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said: "We are awaiting the outcome of the Crown Office review."
Does anyone know the incedent this inquiry is about? Is it during PH's period? Why have the Grovenor's not post a comment on Loretto website, are the Governor's and Police working to cover up problems at Loretto School? It seems that RM (Roy Rodgers) and DS (Plod) are in each others pocket.
If you have facts please put them in the comments, we must build a dossier against Hulk.
'Assault' ... Loretto School
published: 09 Jul 2010 Scottish Sun
A POLICE force is under investigation over a probe into abuse claims at a top private school.
The Crown Office review follows a complaint from a member of the public.
It is believed the person was unhappy over how Lothian and Borders Police dealt with allegations that a pupil was assaulted at Loretto School in Musselburgh, East Lothian.
The force's Chief Constable, David Strang, is president of Loretto's former pupils society. Ex-Chancellor Alistair Darling also attended the £8,700-a-term school.
The probe into the officers' actions is thought to be almost complete. Last night a Crown Office spokesman said: "After a complaint from a member of public, the area procurator fiscal is reviewing papers relating to an investigation by Lothian and Borders Police."
A spokesman for Loretto School said: "We would fully co-operate if any further investigation was needed."
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said: "We are awaiting the outcome of the Crown Office review."
Does anyone know the incedent this inquiry is about? Is it during PH's period? Why have the Grovenor's not post a comment on Loretto website, are the Governor's and Police working to cover up problems at Loretto School? It seems that RM (Roy Rodgers) and DS (Plod) are in each others pocket.
If you have facts please put them in the comments, we must build a dossier against Hulk.
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