Tottington High School leadership update as students return for new term

Thursday, 4 September 2025 13:30

By Adam Clark

Parents and carers at Tottington High School have been told that David Yates’ absence will continue as the new school year begins.

The Shaw Education Trust, which runs the school, issued a letter to parents welcoming pupils back after the summer holidays and offering best wishes to the new Year 7 intake starting this September.

The Trust confirmed that David Yates, who has been away from his post for a period of time, is not yet due to return. It added that updates will be shared with families “when we are able”.

In the meantime, Mrs Deakin and Mrs Jaunbocus-Cooper will continue to lead the school, supported by the wider Trust team.

The statement also thanked parents and carers for their continued support as the new academic year gets underway.

Mr Yates' absence prompted speculation among parents towards the end of the last school year. In July, a petition titled ‘Save Mr Yates’ was launched amid claims that his absence was linked to ADHD. These claims were firmly denied by the Shaw Education Trust, which stressed that no staff member had ever been suspended due to a disability, in line with their obligations under the Equality Act 2010.

Mr Yates was last seen in a social media video with Year 11 pupils receiving a guard of honour, on 17 June, a post that has since received over 60,000 views on Facebook.

The school has been part of the trust since November 2018.

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