A COUPLE of members of staff at the Bangor school which convicted paedophile Neil Foden was headteacher of have been suspended, and a new interim head has been appointed.

Foden, 67, who was head of Ysgol Friars, was jailed for 17 years in July after being convicted of 19 offences of sexual abuse against four girls.

The vacancy of headteacher has been advertised on numerous occasions, with David Healey having previously assumed the role of acting head and supported by “temporary leadership”.

But between Easter 2025 and the end of the 2026 summer term, Margaret Davies, who is the headteacher of St Christopher's Special School in Wrexham, will be Ysgol Friars’ interim head.

An email to parents from Brian Jones, chair of Ysgol Friars’ governing board, shown to the Chronicle, read: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Margaret Davies as interim headteacher at Ysgol Friars.

“Mrs Davies will be joining the team on secondment for four terms, from Easter 2025 until the end of the 2026 summer term.

“Mrs Davies is currently head of St Christopher’s special school in Wrexham, and has wide experience over several years of working in education, spanning many sectors, including a period as His Majesty’s Inspector for Estyn.

“We look forward to welcoming her, and we will work together as a school community as we move on to the next chapter.

“We thank all the staff who have contributed towards the education and support for our students.”

A further email from Mr Jones to parents, also shown to the Chronicle, added: “Information has recently come to the attention of Cyngor Gwynedd’s education department and as a result, a decision has been made to suspend two members of the school’s staff from their work.

“We want to reassure you that there is no accusation that a crime has been committed.

“Wee would also stress that suspension from work is a neutral act, so that investigations may be carried out thoroughly and in an appropriate manner. The matter is not the subject of a wider investigation.

“We understand that such a situation may cause concern for pupils and the wider school community, especially given the recent challenging period when the school ha been under intense scrutiny.

“The education and wellbeing of Ysgol Friars’ pupils continues to be our priority, and if your child is worried about events over the last year and more, we ask that you encourage them to talk to someone they trust.

“We remind you that pastoral and counselling arrangements continue to be available for them at the school.

“Lessons and other activities at the school are continuing as normal, and I pay tribute to the teachers and support staff for their endeavours as they ensure our young people continue to receive a first-class education.

“Significant steps have also been taken to bring greater stability to the school – you will remember that I wrote to you last week to inform you of the news that an interim headteacher has been appointed to Ysgol Friars, and that she will take the helm after the 2025 Easter holiday.

“As a school, we cannot comment further on the situation while the investigations are ongoing.

“But if you are concerned about any element of your child’s academic work or about their welfare, you are welcome to get in touch through the school’s normal arrangements.”

A spokesperson for Cyngor Gwynedd and the Ysgol Friars board of governors added: “The school’s governing body and the council’s education department are working together to ensure sufficient capacity so that the school can function effectively.

“Any information regarding staffing matters will be shared with the school community in the usual manner.

“We are acutely aware that the past 14 months have been exceptionally challenging for all pupils and staff at Ysgol Friars.

“Officers from the council’s education department have been working with teaching staff, support staff and governors to restore and stabilise the situation for the benefit of all pupils in the school.

“Support – which includes pastoral arrangements and counselling – continues to be available to the young people and staff.”

North Wales Police confirmed earlier in November that it has begun investigating two further allegations made against Foden, meanwhile.

Following the conclusion of criminal proceedings, the North Wales Safeguarding Board has started a Child Practice Review, with which Gwynedd Council said it is co-operating “fully”.