The daughter of the banned married Principals of St. Anne’s College Grammar School (SACGS) says her parents intend to appeal their indefinite ban from the teaching profession.

Abigail Welsby, who says she took over as Principal from her parents four years ago, confirmed they intend to appeal and said in a statement on behalf of the school regarding the case: ‘Good morning everyone, many of you will have read in the news, following a hearing of the TRA the retired principals of SACGS were given prohibition orders, based on evidence which they highly dispute about an incident which happened almost five years ago, whereby they immediately suspended a former member of staff (who was subsequently convicted of child offences) and contacted the LADO within one hour of doing so. This was during the school Summer holidays, but there were 6 young children on-site that day and this individual posed a threat to safeguarding.

SACGS has always placed the safeguarding of all pupils as its highest priority and will continue to do so. The retired principals have kept our children safe at SACGS for over 35 years, and strongly disagree with the TRA decision, which they believe is both disproportionate and vindictive and will now be appealing this outcome through the appropriate channels.

It’s business as usual in school today, as it has been for almost 5 years since this event. Miss Welsby has been the Principal for 4 years now (albeit without changing her title from Vice-Principal) and will continue to be so. We’d like to thank all of our SACGS community, staff and parents, who continue to support us all and our wonderful school so strongly. We really do appreciate it! Thank you.’

The official Gov.UK site today (Tuesday 28^th March) still lists Mr Stephen Welsby as Principal of St. Anne’s College Grammar School and the husband and wife team were named as Principals in their last OFSTED report (2020). (See documents below)