THE head of a Pendle high school at the centre of a financial investigation today accused education bosses of showing a "draconian" attitude.

Ernie Pickup, of Whalley Road, Blackburn, is set to be away from his desk at Mansfield High School, Brierfield, until the New Year.

Auditors carrying out an in-depth study of the finances at the school on behalf of Lancashire Education Authority are expected to continue their investigation until the start of the two-week Christmas break.

Mr Pickup has been asked to stay away from the 1,200-pupil school until the investigation is completed. He has also been told not to contact staff, some of whom are expected to be interviewed by the auditors.

Mr Pickup is very upset at what he sees as the "draconian" treatment he has received from the education authority. Speaking from his home, he said: "I have agreed to be absent from my workplace to enable a full audit to be implemented.

"I'm co-operating as fully as I can with the education authority."

Mr Pickup said he could not comment further until the investigation was completed.

He was due to give a speech during the school's annual awards ceremony on Wednesday but now cannot attend the evening. His role in running the school has been taken over by deputy head Ian Blackey. Governors will meet on Thursday,with Mr Pickup's absence and the financial investigation expected to be top of the agenda.

Most of the governors only found out about the investigation through the media. Vice-chairman of the governors Mel Simpson criticised education bosses for not letting the governors know officially.

A fuller investigation of the school's books was ordered by education bosses after a routine check by accountants Coopers and Lybrand highlighted concerns about the financial management of the school, the largest in Pendle.

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