Academy trust denies claims of suspending teacher ‘due to having ADHD’

Tuesday, 15 July 2025 14:57

By Adam Clark

Shaw Education Trust has strongly denied claims that they suspended a Bury teacher ‘due to having ADHD.’

Parents at Tottington High School have been concerned about the absence of its headteacher, David Yates, who has been in post for a year and has been absent from his position over the past month, raising growing concerns about his future at the school.

Earlier today, a petition was launched to ‘Save Mr Yates’, with claims made that he’s been suspended due to having ADHD; these claims have been quashed by senior management at the trust.

Stephen Watson, Chief People Officer, said:

“We are aware of the speculation that has been circulating, including the suggestion that Mr Yates has been suspended due to having ADHD. I want to be absolutely clear that no member of staff has been suspended from Tottington High School – or any of our schools – on the basis of a disability, including ADHD. We take our responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 extremely seriously and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind in any of our schools.

“While we are unable to comment on individual employment matters, I can confirm that we are continuing to support David during his absence and remain in regular contact with him.

“Tottington High School remains in a strong position with stable, reliable, and experienced leadership in place. The school continues to make excellent progress on its transformation journey, and we are confident in the direction and momentum that has been established.

“Our focus continues to be on providing the very best education and support for our students, while ensuring the wellbeing of all staff.”

Yates was last seen on the school’s social media pages on 17th June, alongside deputy head Mrs Deakin, when the school’s Year 11s left. Pupils can be seen receiving a guard of honour led by Yates. The video has had over 60,000 views on Facebook, with many interacting and showing praise to the school.

Many attribute the school's improvement to Mr Yates, for which he has a track record for, in his first headship he took the school became the 5th most improved school in the country. He has been teaching for over 29 years, with 19 of those as a head, executive head and director of Education across 9 schools and 5 academy trusts.

Mr Watson added: “I want to reassure you that the leadership of the school remains in capable hands. The senior leadership team is working closely with the Trust to ensure the continued smooth running of the school and to maintain the high standard of education and care for all our students.”

When asked for clarification on whether Mr Yates has been suspended on any other grounds, the Shaw Education Trust declined to comment.

The school has been part of the Shaw Education Trust since November 2018.

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