A FORMER head teacher of the year - who was reinstated after being found to have employed family members and spent thousands of pounds of school money on herself - has quit.
Jo Shuter, the beleaguered principal of Quintin Kynaston Community Academy in St John's Wood was also the school's Chief Financial Accounting Officer.
Her resignation comes shortly after the release of the findings of an investigation by the Department of Education, during an eight month period in which she was suspended, while claims of inappropriate spending were investigated.
The investigation found that school funds had been used for "inappropriate purposes" and raised “a number of issues relating to the employment of family members”.
Governors of the school decided to reinstate Ms Shuter with a formal written warning last month. However this week she announced her resignation after 11 years at the award-winning academy.
She said: "It is with sadness and regret that I have taken the difficult decision to tender my resignation as head teacher of QK Academy following the governors' decision to reinstate me after a lengthy investigation. My 11 years of headship have been a source of pride and happiness.
"I feel privileged to have worked with the most dedicated and committed teachers, support staff, governors and members of the wider QK community. I would also like to thank the wonderfully supportive parents and the most inspiring and resilient young people. I wish you success and peace in whatever choices you make for your futures - you will stay in my memories forever."
Patrick Lees, chairman of the school's governing body, said: “Whilst we as the governing body have reinstated Jo, following the publication of the EFA report last week Jo felt her position at QK had become untenable. She has proffered her resignation, which we have accepted."
