Louth headteacher gave £5,500 payoffs to staff accused of breaking rules
A Louth headteacher gave payouts to staff who were accused of taking drugs, teaching while drunk and masturbating in a music room, an employment tribunal has been told.
James Lascelles was sacked from his role at King Edward VI Grammar School over the exit arrangements for former staff despite serious concerns about them.
His conduct has now been made public after he unsuccessfully claimed the school had unfairly dismissed him.
An employment tribunal held in May heard that rules were broken regarding at least four teachers and staff working at the school who were facing disciplinary procedures.
Mr Lascelles gave severance payments of £5,500 to at least three staff members and offered good references, saying he wanted to “support not punish” them.
A staff member described as ‘Teacher D’ had reportedly sworn at pupils and had an argument with one which left her “hysterical, in floods of tears” and “fearful for her own safety”, the tribunal heard.
A cleaner also said they had walked in on him masturbating in a music practice room, where a cupboard had been moved to block the door.
The teacher is said to have quit and Mr Lascelles gave him a positive reference for a new job, saying there were no concerns about him working with children, the tribunal was told.
He never contacted the local authority about safeguarding concerns, despite repeated urging by staff.
The tribunal was also told about Teacher A, who allegedly taught an online lesson during lockdown in which she appeared drunk, swearing and slurring her words.
Mr Lascelles arranged a tax-free £5,500 payment “in recognition of the personal difficulties her situation has caused her”, despite concerns from other staff.
Teacher B was offered the same settlement in 2022 after allegations that they had sworn in lessons.
Another employee identified as Staff Member C also left after allegedly smoking cannabis in the school toilets.
Mr Lascelles again arranged for a £5,500 payment, saying “we want to support not punish C”, and said any reference would mention “your hard work, commitment and loyalty… no reference will be made to recent events.”
The headteacher was signed off sick in January 2024 and was dismissed later that year for gross misconduct for failing to follow the academy’s policies and guidance on keeping children safe.
His claim that he was unfairly and wrongfully fired was rejected by the employment tribunal.
He also claimed to be a qualified solicitor, but admitted during cross-examination at the hearing that this wasn’t true.
Robert Maltman, Chair of Trustees for King Edward VI Grammar School, said: “We welcome the outcome of the tribunal, which supports the actions taken by the trust board.
“The decision to dismiss the former headteacher followed a thorough and fair process, with external professional advice.
“Our priority throughout has been the safety and welfare of pupils and the proper application of our statutory responsibilities.”
Mr Lascelles said: “In each case professional HR advice was taken, an investigating officer appointed, and the deputy head safeguarding lead involved in each case.
“No harm or risk of harm to children was found in any case. The local authority safeguarding officer retrospectively confirmed the same advice to the Trust.”