Headteacher honoured by Blair suspended over claims of irregularities

A headmaster honoured by the Prime Minister as "an example to the rest of the country" has been suspended after allegations of management irregularities were made against him.

Richard Wealthall, 57, of St Clement's High in Terrington St Clement, Norfolk, has been asked to remain at home while governors investigate a number of "management issues".

Mr Wealthall became one of the most highly regarded headteachers in the country two years ago when Tony Blair paid tribute to his work after his school was named the most improved comprehensive.

Mr Blair presented him with an award at a reception in Downing Street. His school doubled the number of pupils achieving five good GCSE passes in three years.

Mr Wealthall was one of three headteachers who were invited to lecture other school leaders on how to improve results at the reception in 2000. His management and leadership skills were also praised by Ofsted inspectors who visited the school, a specialist arts college, in March.

Mr Wealthall was suspended from work on Friday pending an internal disciplinary inquiry.

In a letter to parents, David Harwood, the chairman of governors, said the suspension did not concern children but related to "management issues".

He said: "The areas of concern relate purely to management issues and are not connected either with the education or well-being of pupils at the school.

"It is not possible at this stage to indicate how long the suspension may last. Steps have been taken, however, to ensure that the school continues to run smoothly during this difficult time."

In a statement, Mr Harwood added that Mr Wealthall's suspension did not imply that he was guilty of any irregularities. "No judgements have been made and his suspension is a neutral act to allow the investigation to proceed uninhibited," he said.

Mr Wealthall said he was "shell-shocked and disappointed" by the decision to suspend him and that he had not been told the details of the allegations against him.

He said: "I was very surprised indeed, particularly in the context of all the school has achieved. All I have been told is there is a claim of irregularities in management, but I don't know what they are talking about.

"In these circumstances you only get the barest details of what has been alleged – but I am very confident of the right outcome and of being cleared."