Leading school defends £500k legal bill as headteacher sues parents

Pensby: A leading secondary school in Wirral is in the spotlight for a hefty legal bill. Pensby High School’s headteacher, Kevin Flanagan, is suing two parents, and the costs could exceed £500,000. The case is set for a High Court hearing later this year.

Flanagan claims the parents, Keith and Stephanie Critchley, harassed him and wants a court order to keep them away from the school. He alleges they’ve intimidated him, which the Critchleys strongly deny. They say they were just trying to address concerns about their daughters’ treatment at the school.

The legal fees are a big deal, with estimates suggesting they could hit over £577,000 if it goes to court. The school hasn’t disclosed how much it’s already spent. Initially, they were tight-lipped about funding the case, but after an investigation, they admitted to covering the legal costs.

The Information Commissioner pointed out that public money is at stake, and there’s a need for transparency. The school argues that the funds come from self-generated income, not public funds, but the Critchleys are worried about how this affects resources meant for students.

A court date is set for November 17, 2025, in Manchester, and mediation is planned soon. The Critchleys are concerned about the legal costs compared to the damages claimed, which they say raises questions about how funds are managed. They feel the school is misusing resources that should support students and staff.

The school insists it’s acting in the best interest of its staff and that the legal action is a last resort after trying to resolve things privately. The Critchleys plan to represent themselves in court, confident that their evidence will clear their names and highlight the school’s mismanagement of funds. They believe the ongoing legal battle is harming the school community and want a fair resolution that protects everyone involved.