Ms Hilary French

Introduction

Ms Hilary French was employed at the Girls Day School Trust’s Newcastle school from 1 January 2006, serving as head teacher of Newcastle High School for Girls. In March 2018 an internal audit identified unusual purchases of John Lewis gift cards claimed through expenses, prompting a disciplinary investigation and a police inquiry. On 19 May 2023 she was convicted at Newcastle Upon Tyne Crown Court of 3 counts of Fraud by Abuse of Position under Section 4 of the Fraud Act 2006, receiving a prison sentence of six months for each offence, suspended for 12 months. In March 2025 a Teaching Regulation Agency panel found the allegation proved in her absence; the decision maker banned her from teaching indefinitely, with a five-year review period.

Background Information

The decision records the Judge’s sentencing remarks describing “a headmistress from 2006 after a very long and, as your counsel said– rightly said, distinguished career as a teacher”. The panel also saw character evidence, including a former parent’s comment that “she was a wonderful teacher and should know that she is still appreciated for what she did for many girls”. Employment references from 2005 had supported her application for the head teacher position, but the panel gave them no significant weight, since they predated the events and were provided for a different purpose.

The Controversy or Incident That Led to Their Cancellation

The panel heard that an internal audit of Newcastle High School for Girls on the 6th and 7th of March 2018 identified potential concerns, in particular the purchase of John Lewis gift cards, designated as gifts for departing staff, guest speakers and student prizes but later claimed through expenses by Ms French. The purchases were deemed unusual. A full disciplinary investigation followed, cumulating in her being invited to a disciplinary hearing to answer allegations in relation to “John Lewis gift cards not used for intended purposes” and “claims relating to Sweaty Betty jacket, gift of sofa and trip to Bath”. The school reported the matters to the police, and a referral to the TRA was made on 23 November 2018.

It was alleged that Ms French was guilty of having been convicted of a relevant offence, in that on or around 19 May 2023 she was convicted at Newcastle Upon Tyne Crown Court of 3 counts of Fraud by Abuse of Position under Section 4 of the Fraud Act 2006. The conviction date was amended at the hearing from 17 July 2023, as originally set out in the notice of hearing, to 19 May 2023; the panel found the amendment did not change the nature, scope or seriousness of the allegation. The panel saw the certificate of conviction, accepted it as conclusive proof, and noted that Ms French did not appeal.

The Judge’s sentencing remarks, quoted in the decision, described how “between April 2016 and February 2018 you submitted a series of expense claims for a total of 65 John Lewis gift cards, which you claimed were purchased either as leaving presents for school staff, rewards for students or thank-you gifts, and in fact you used them for your own personal benefit to a tune of £2,970”. There was also “the weekend trip in 2017 where you claimed expenses for meals on the basis that you had met with old students”, and “a claim for a coat which, effectively, you invented a theft in respect of this coat, and it turned out to be in the boot of your car”.

The Judge called it “a high culpability case because it’s a breach of trust”, noting “You initially pleaded not guilty. You changed your plea at the further case management hearing for which you get credit, and I give you credit of 20 per cent.” Of the impact: “Schools like this are judged by the quality of their staff, and to have a headteacher, particularly one that was so well regarded, behave like this is bound to have an effect”, and “the greatest impact is probably upon all those pupils who saw you as a role model, and I have no doubt were as surprised and shocked as anybody by your behaviour”. Ms French received a custodial sentence of 6 months imprisonment running concurrently for each offence, each suspended for 12 months, plus unpaid work of 150 hours within a 12-month period.

Public Reaction and Consequences

The panel found this was “a case concerning offences involving fraud or serious dishonesty, which the Advice states is likely to be considered a relevant offence”. It found breaches of the Teachers’ Standards and that Ms French, as headteacher, should have upheld standards and acted as a role model; the fraud related to school funds and her actions would have diverted funds away from the school and children. While noting she repaid the sums fraudulently obtained and had no prior TRA record, the panel found “little to no evidence that Ms French showed insight to her actions” and that the public interest outweighed her interests, recommending a prohibition order with immediate effect. Decision maker Marc Cavey, acting for the Secretary of State, imposed the order.

Current Status

Ms Hilary French is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England. The order takes effect from the date it is served on her. She may apply for it to be set aside, but not until 17 March 2030, five years from the date of the order at the earliest; this is not an automatic right. The hearing proceeded without her on 7 March 2025, the panel having determined she had “no intention in attending the hearing”, citing her letter stating “I have no desire to teach again and do not require TRA validation or endorsement”. She has a right of appeal to the King’s Bench Division of the High Court within 28 days of notice of the order.

Impact on Their Career/Life

The prohibition order ended a teaching career that had begun at the school in January 2006 and included more than a decade as its head teacher. The Judge noted she had been held in the highest esteem by teachers, parents and pupils alike, with references using words like “honest”, “ethical”, “trustworthy”, “integrity”, “respect”, and called it “all the sadder that your career has ended in this way”. The decision maker concluded that publication of the findings alone would not satisfy public confidence, and that prohibition was necessary and proportionate.

Sources

• Teaching Regulation Agency, “Teacher misconduct panel outcome: Ms Hilary French” — source