THE deputy headteacher has been sacked and the head has resigned at a Wembley school where £1m was allegedly paid out in bonuses.

Sir Alan Davies stepped down as headteacher of Copland Community School on October 14 and Brent Council today announced Dr Richard Evans, his deputy, has been sacked for gross misconduct.

The move follows an investigation into claims thousands of pounds was dished out in bonuses, including £130,000 in two years alone to Sir Alan.

A further £20,000 was allegedly given to his son Gareth, the caretaker.

The board of governors was sacked and replaced by an Interim Executive Board following the allegations.

Roy Evans, chairman of the interim board said: “The school's prime focus is the welfare and development of the students.

“Despite the recent events, the school's board and acting headteacher are continuing to maintain good educational standards and have already made many improvements to the buildings and equipment.

“We have had strong positive support from Brent Council during this difficult period. Morale is high within the school and we will continue to move forward.”

Michelle Bishop, Copland's human resources manager, also resigned after being suspended in August and bursar Columbus Udokoro will face a disciplinary hearing in December.

Cheryl Curling, a spokesman for the council, said the council supported the board's decision to sack Dr Evans.

She said: “The council acted swiftly when it was made aware of the allegations of serious financial mismanagement at the school.

“We suspended four senior members of staff, took control of the school's budget, established an Interim Executive Board to oversee the running of the school and with them, installed a new Acting Head to take the school forward.

“We will continue to work with the school in achieving further progress.”

The council said it is not possible to take disciplinary action leading to a member of staff being dismissed once they have resigned.

Dr Evans has the right to appeal after the disciplinary hearing, held on Monday.

More to follow.