The headteacher from a Salford school made famous by the programme Educating Greater Manchester has been suspended, along with three of his colleagues.
Drew Povey and the other members of staff from Harrop Fold High were sent home on Thursday after an internal investigation lasting several months.
Mr Povey said: ‘I can confirm I am suspended. It is completely and utterly unfair. I will clear my name and the name of the school. I’m speaking to my legal team.’
Mr Povey, 40, appeared to show commendable leadership qualities, humour, and support and passion for his pupils and staff in the hit series.
However it is understood the way the school was being managed is now under investigation.
He became the unexpected star of the Channel 4 fly-on-the-wall documentary about his school.
Mr Povey has been at the school for 12 years and headteacher for eight saw his efforts rewarded in 2013 when the school – previously branded one of the worst in the city – was graded ‘good’ by Ofsted.
He Tweeted on Thursday: ‘Pressure is something we all have to encounter. Face it head on, do not allow it to phase you, keep strong, do the right thing and keep on going. Forwards not backwards is your destination.’
In another recent tweet he said; ‘Yes it’s easier to go with the flow. But sometimes it’s necessary to swim against the current. It takes guts and strength to stand alone and be counted.’
Lisa Stone, lead member for children’s and young people’s services confirmed four members of staff have been suspended and said: ‘The matter is being dealt with according to the school and council’s procedures.
‘We cannot comment further but the council is supporting the school to provide stability until the end of the academic year.
‘Our priority is the students and we will support the school to make sure their educational needs are met so they can achieve the best possible outcomes.’
The school is due to feature in a new series of Educating Greater Manchester with TV crews due to return in September.
He won praise for his handling of the Walkden arson attack, a tragedy which killed three children, one of whom was from his school.
He vowed the spirit of Salford ‘cannot and will not be crushed’ after being told one his pupils, Demi Pearson, 14, was among the victims.
His passion for wanting to improve the life chances of his pupils was a highlight of the popular series.
Metro.co.uk has contacted Drew Povey for further comment.
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