Catholic school head resigns after report concludes he had an 'inappropriate relationship'

The headteacher of St Boniface's Catholic College in Plymouth has resigned after an investigation into his alleged behaviour found he had conducted an 'inappropriate relationship'.

Parents and staff at St Boniface’s Catholic College have been told of the outcome of the recent investigation of its Head Teacher, Mr Peter Eccles.

Stephen Hole, Chair of Governors, said:

“The College commissioned an independent investigation following receipt of a written complaint from outside the College.

"I have now received the investigators’ report, which is confidential to Governors and will not be published. However, I can report that the investigators concluded that Mr Eccles had conducted ‘an inappropriate relationship’ with a female member of staff, which was inconsistent with his role as Head Teacher of a Catholic School and contrary to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. As a result of this, the investigators concluded that Mr Eccles had brought St Boniface’s College into serious disrepute.

“The report makes clear that breaches of conduct relate only to an expectation that Mr Eccles should exemplify in his behaviour the teachings of the Roman Catholic faith.”

Mr Eccles has been informed of the outcome of the investigation and commented:

“This episode has occurred at a particularly difficult time in my private life. As a result of the inquiry and the extensive media interest it has prompted, I have tendered my resignation.”

The Governors have accepted Mr Eccles’ resignation, which will take effect from today, 30 June 2013.

In an unrelated matter, the school underwent an OFSTED inspection last week.

Stephen Hole concluded: “I wish to acknowledge Mr Eccles’ considerable commitment to leadership of the College over the past few years.  The priority of the College continues to be to ensure our students achieve their best through teaching and learning in a caring and supportive environment.

"We thank staff, students and parents for their help in achieving this in what has been a difficult time for the College.”