EDWARD CAMPBELL SHOCKS GREAT LEVER WITH INDECENT ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Great Lever, Bolton, Edward Campbell, a former primary school headteacher, has been found guilty of indecently assaulting a teenage girl and has faced disciplinary action that will prevent him from returning to the teaching profession.

Campbell, now aged 71, served as the headteacher at St William of York RC Primary School in Great Lever for a lengthy period of 16 years, concluding his tenure in March 2002. His career in education was once regarded as stable and respectable until recent revelations cast a dark shadow over his reputation.

The incident in question dates back to 2001, but it was only brought to light during a hearing conducted by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL). It was disclosed that Campbell had accepted a police caution in January of the previous year for the indecent assault of a 14-year-old girl. Notably, the official police complaint was not filed until 2014, years after the incident occurred.

The victim, who was a former pupil at the school, recounted that Campbell had kissed her three times behind a stage after she visited the school before Christmas, three years after she had left. Due to legal restrictions, her identity remains confidential. The girl had initially made Campbell a Christmas card, which appeared to have prompted the inappropriate conduct.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Campbell asked her, “where the kiss was on the card,” before proceeding to kiss her twice on the lips and once on the cheek. The girl attempted to pull away from his advances, and Campbell subsequently apologized for his behaviour. The girl confided in her family and the school authorities, which led to Campbell’s suspension. He resigned from his position in 2002. Although police were notified at the time, her family chose not to pursue a formal complaint, a detail confirmed during the panel’s proceedings.

It was only after the victim made a formal complaint last year that Campbell was interviewed by authorities. He admitted to the offence of indecent assault and agreed to accept a police caution. Since then, Campbell has worked as a supply teacher and invigilator, with no further allegations of misconduct reported against him.

At the hearing, Campbell fully acknowledged the facts of the case. He expressed that he does not intend to return to teaching. The panel noted that Campbell was aware that the girl had difficulties relating to her peers and had sought his help, which added a layer of concern regarding his conduct.

The disciplinary panel concluded that Campbell’s actions had severely undermined public trust in the teaching profession and failed to uphold the high standards expected of educators. They emphasized that he had failed to treat the girl with dignity and had disregarded safeguarding protocols meant to protect pupils. The panel stated that his behaviour was a significant breach of professional standards and could potentially bring the reputation of the teaching profession into disrepute.

As a result, Campbell was banned from teaching indefinitely. However, he has the option to apply for the prohibition order to be lifted starting from 2019, though no indication has been given that he intends to do so.