Headteacher sparks outrage after he jets to Rome on a SCHOOL DAY to watch rugby

GETTY

Bill Mann took a day off work to watch the Italy vs Ireland Six Nations match in Rome

Headmaster Bill Mann, of Eccleston Saint Mary’s Primary School, in Lancashire, has been slammed by some parents for taking a ‘term time’ break.

Earlier this month the Supreme Court reserved their judgement on the landmark case of a father from the Isle of Wight who was prosecuted for taking his daughter in term-time to Florida.

• 

  School slammed after claiming colds are ‘no reason for absence’

• 

  Bully headteacher banned from classroom

Now Mr Mann has been criticised by parents for flying to Rome on Friday, February 10, to watch the following day’s Italy v Ireland Six Nations clash.

One angry parent even posted an anonymous letter asking why the headteacher had been allowed to take time off in term time while parents still face council fines.

She said: “When authorities are fining parents for taking their children out of school in term time it is hard to believe the head was absent from school on the last day of term as he was flying to Italy.”

SWNS

The headmaster was slammed by some parents for taking a ‘term time’ break

The letter writer went on to ask whether the headteacher would be fined and whether his pay would be docked as a consequence.

It is hard to believe the head was absent from school on the last day of term as he was flying to Italy

Parent

But today school supervisors mounted a staunch defence of Mr Mann. 

Garry Fishwick, chair of governors at the ‘Outstanding-rated’ school, said: “Mr Mann always works very hard for the school.

“He has been working particularly long hours taking on teaching responsibilities and steering the school through a rigorous inspection. 

GOOGLE MAPS

Eccleston Saint Mary’s Primary School, in Lancashire, is rated ‘outstanding’

“On the day in question, Mr Mann worked from home in the morning and then took a flight in the afternoon.

“I was pleased to sanction (it) given the excessive hours he had been working.”

Ofsted said of the school in their last inspection: “Pupils thoroughly enjoy school and thrive in a warm and supportive atmosphere. 

“Staff work successfully to enable pupils to achieve excellence and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.”