Parents stage protest demanding the reinstatement of York school head teacher

Parents of a York school staged a protest against the suspension of their headteacher on Sunday (July 8).

A group of parents whose children go to the Minster School held the demonstration demanding that the head, Alex Donaldson, be reinstated.

They carried placards outside York Minster saying ‘Bring Back Our Headteacher Now’, and ‘Minster Leaders Should Listen’.

The protest is the latest development in a story which dates back to May, when three teachers were suspended after unsecured air rifles and ammunition were discovered on school premises.

Meeting with the Dean

It is understood that two members of staff have been reinstated, but that Mr Donaldson remains suspended.

Minster School is a department of York Minster and its governing body is therefore the Dean and Chapter.

After the initial suspensions, parents met with the then Dean of York Minster, the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull, and other governors.

They issued a statement saying: “Parents voiced overwhelming support for the suspended teachers and pressed for the prompt return of all three members of staff after the half term break.

“Parents received assurances that the concerns raised during the meeting will be acted upon for the wellbeing of staff and pupils alike.”

Vivienne Faull has since left the post of Dean to become the Bishop of Bristol last month.