Report into Paedophile Head Teacher Delayed Hours Before Release

© Tom Blewitt – Predator Awareness

The long-awaited publication of a report detailing how a paedophile head teacher sexually abused girls has been abruptly postponed—just hours before it was due to be released.

A year-long inquiry into Neil Foden, former head of Ysgol Friars in Bangor and strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle in Penygroes, was scheduled for release on Wednesday by the North Wales Safeguarding Board. Foden was jailed in 2024 for 17 years after being convicted of 19 sexual offences against four girls between 2019 and 2023.

However, in a brief statement issued late Tuesday afternoon, the board announced that publication of the Child Practice Review was being delayed while “the board considers its legal obligations and information sharing further”.

The decision has sparked frustration, particularly among officials in Gwynedd, the council area where Foden worked. A news conference planned for Wednesday has been cancelled, and the council expressed its dismay at the sudden change.

“We received no advance notice and there was no discussion with Cyngor Gwynedd about this. We are currently awaiting further clarification from the safeguarding board,” said a council official. “Having waited for the report for so long and preparing to act upon any conclusions and recommendations without delay, we are extremely disappointed that the report will not be published tomorrow.”

Neil Foden arriving at court handcuffed to Geoamey officer.

Foden, now 68, of Old Colwyn in Conwy county, was described by the trial judge as an “arrogant, controlling individual used to getting his own way”. The judge also branded him “depraved”, “arrogant” and a “bully”.

In a statement, the North Wales Safeguarding Board acknowledged the impact of the delay: “We appreciate that this is a huge disappointment to all those involved not least the brave women and children who are at the heart of this review. We will endeavour to provide a revised timeline as soon as we are able to.

“Those leading on the review continue with their responsibilities of focussing on the wellbeing of victims during this difficult time, as has been the case throughout the review cycle.”

The North Wales Safeguarding Board is one of five such bodies established in Wales following reforms to social services and welfare laws in 2014. These boards are legally required to conduct reviews in cases involving abuse of children or vulnerable adults.

Work on the Foden inquiry began in August 2024, led by social care expert Jan Pickles, who previously oversaw reviews into sexual abuse on Caldey Island and the murder of five-year-old Logan Mwangi.

Foden was arrested in September 2023 at Ysgol Friars, where he had long been regarded as one of Wales’ most senior teaching figures and a national spokesman for the profession.

Following his conviction, a BBC Wales investigation uncovered allegations that Foden may have abused children for over 40 years, with many more victims than those involved in the criminal case. This prompted a legal case against Gwynedd council, brought by solicitors representing up to 12 individuals who claim to have suffered due to Foden’s actions.

The council had commissioned its own internal report after concerns were first raised in 2019, but those findings remain unpublished.

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