Former Welsh Headteacher Sentenced to 17 Years for Child Sexual Abuse

Posted on: 4 mins read
Jacob Shaw

Solicitor Graduate, Abuse

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In a recent case that has deeply affected the local community, a former headteacher in Wales, Neil Foden, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison. Mr. Foden was convicted of 19 charges, including 12 counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of sexual activity with a child whilst in a position of trust. The offences took place between January 2019 and September 2023, over a four-year period, involving four young girls, leading to his conviction in May 2024. The full extent of Mr. Foden’s offending is not yet known, but a recent BBC Wales investigation has revealed Mr. Foden may have abused over 20 victims over four decades, four times as many as previously thought.

Mr. Foden, who held the roles at Ysgol Friars in Bangor, Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle in Penygroes, and Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen in Bethesda, exploited his position of trust and authority to commit these acts of abuse. Of particular concern in this case is the fact there were a number of warning signs that were not followed up and acted on, leaving children at risk.

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Institutional Failures and Ongoing Investigations

In 2019, senior staff members at Ysgol Friars raised concerns with the local authority, Cyngor Gwynedd, about Mr. Foden's inappropriate closeness with some teenage girls. These concerns were forwarded to a safeguarding officer, but no formal investigation was initiated. Instead, Mr. Foden received a phone call from the Head of Education at Cyngor Gwynedd, advising him to "maintain an appropriate distance" from pupils. During the trial and sentencing hearing, Judge Rowlands criticised the council for failing to investigate, suggesting that this may have encouraged Mr. Foden to continue abusing and exploiting both children and staff members.

There were also broader concerns about Mr. Foden’s character, following several bullying allegations made by staff at Ysgol Friars, which resulted in the Teaching Regulation Authority finding him guilty of unacceptable conduct. Despite this, he was promoted in 2021 to a strategic "super-head" role, overseeing both Ysgol Friars and Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle. During sentencing, Judge Rowlands described Mr. Foden as "depraved", "arrogant", and a "bully" who believed no one would stand up to him.

Mr. Foden denied all charges and showed no remorse during sentencing for his actions or the impact on his victims.

 

Addressing Safeguarding Failures and Supporting Survivors

Following the trial, the North Wales Safeguarding Board initiated a review to identify lessons to be learned and improvements to prevent similar cases in the future. However, the BBC’s investigation has raised serious concerns about the adequacy of this review. Despite Cyngor Gwynedd’s commitment to provide all necessary information, former pupils such as "Jo" and "Nia" (not their real names, used to protect their identities), who have come forward with their stories, report not being contacted by the review panel.

"Jo," a former pupil, described being groomed by Mr. Foden over a five-year period, whilst "Nia" recounted abuse dating back to when she was a pupil in 1979. Both women have emphasised the long-lasting impact of Mr. Foden's actions on their lives. Whilst Cyngor Gwynedd has stated that the independent review will identify lessons to prevent similar cases, critics argue that more decisive action is needed.

 

How Simpson Millar Can Help

Our thoughts are with the victims and survivors of abuse, who have displayed immense courage in coming forward to share their experiences. We recognise how incredibly challenging it can be to speak about abuse, particularly when it involves a trusted authority figure, such as a teacher or headteacher. At Simpson Millar, we are committed to supporting and guiding survivors of child abuse in schools, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout the process.

We understand that the emotional impact of abuse can last a lifetime, and that talking about these experiences, whether they occurred recently or many years ago, can be a difficult and deeply personal decision. Every survivor’s journey is unique, and we believe in offering the time and space for you to seek justice or closure on your own terms. Our team of highly experienced Abuse Solicitors specialises in handling sensitive cases such as these, providing confidential, compassionate, and expert legal advice tailored to your individual needs.

We are dedicated to ensuring your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and you feel supported at every step of your recovery. We take pride in our partnerships with leading charities, such as the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), which provide invaluable emotional support, resources, and advice for those who have endured the trauma of abuse. By working together, we ensure survivors have access to the care and guidance they need to rebuild their lives.

If you feel ready to explore your legal options, our team is here to listen. We offer a free, no-obligation, and completely confidential assessment of your case, so you can feel assured that your story will be handled with the utmost discretion and care. No matter how long ago the abuse occurred, and we are here to help you seek a sense of closure and peace of mind you deserve.

To speak with one of our specialist Solicitors or to find out more about how we can assist you, call us on 0808 239 5366.

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References:

NAPAC (2016). NAPAC | Supporting Recovery From Childhood Abuse. [online] Napac.org.uk. Available at: https://napac.org.uk/

www.ysgolfriars.cymru. (n.d.). Homepage — Ysgol Friars - English. [online] Available at: https://www.ysgolfriars.cymru/

Ysgoldyffrynnantlle.cymru. (2024). Hafan | Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle. [online] Available at: https://www.ysgoldyffrynnantlle.cymru/

Ysgoldyffrynogwen.org. (2024). Hafan | Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen. [online] Available at: https://www.ysgoldyffrynogwen.org/

www.simpsonmillar.co.uk. (2023). Physical and Sexual Abuse Claims | Simpson Millar Solicitors. [online] Available at: https://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/abuse-claims-solicitors/

‌Simpsonmillar.co.uk. (2024). Child Abuse in Schools. [online] Available at: https://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/abuse-claims-solicitors/child-abuse-in-schools/

Northwalessafeguardingboard.wales. (2024). Child Practice Review to be held following court case – North Wales Safeguarding Board. [online] Available at: https://www.northwalessafeguardingboard.wales/child-practice-review-to-be-held-following-court-case/

Aitken, C. and Easedale, S. (2024). Neil Foden: Paedophile head teacher jailed for 17 years. BBC News. [online] 1 Jul. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4ngqd15225o

Jacob Shaw

Solicitor Graduate, Abuse

Areas of Expertise:
Abuse Claims

Jacob proudly holds a First-Class law degree from Lancaster University, which he achieved in 2021. Before joining Simpson Millar, he gained experience as a Legal Assistant at another law firm, dealing predominantly with Personal Injury cases. His duties there included assisting with claimant road traffic accident cases, and public liability and employer's liability matters.

His commitment extends beyond the courtroom. At the age of 17, he was already volunteering at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Morecambe, assisting with a range of issues, from employment and benefits to consumer disputes. Recently, he was involved in a fundraising initiative for the National Association of People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC). Jacob also participated in a sponsored walk in August 2023, aiming to further contribute to this worthy cause.

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