AN OUSTED headteacher who claims he is a persecuted whistleblower has launched legal action against his school.

As reported in The Northern Echo on Friday (January 9), crisis-hit Durham Free School (DFS) says it has terminated Peter Cantley’s contract on performance grounds.

But Mr Cantley insists he legally remains in post and has now started employment tribunal proceedings against it.

He claims he is a whistleblower, having raised concerns over the school’s governance prior to the Education Funding Agency (EFA) criticising the set-up, along with DFS’ financial regime, shortly before Christmas.

“I greatly regret that these matters have been played out in the Press,” Mr Cantley said.

“I continue to be the subject of detrimental treatment because of the whistleblowing disclosures I have made to the governors themselves and to the DfE (Department for Education).

“I continue to work with the DfE in connection with governance issues at the Durham Free School and I hope that these matters may be resolved for the benefit of all concerned, especially the children and parents at the school.”

The school says in terminating Mr Cantley’s contract with effect from Friday, December 5, it followed due process and acted on sound legal advice from a specialist in employment law.

A spokeswoman added: “As far as the governors are aware, Mr Cantley first approached the DfE and the EFA after the governors made clear their intention regarding his employment.”

Mr Cantley has criticised free schools as often lacking experience on their governing bodies - but DFS says it has benefitted from the involvement of three individuals with previous school governance experience, including one who received an MBE for services to education.

The school says classes are operating normally, with deputy headteacher Julian Eisner serving as acting head. It expects to advertise for a new headteacher shortly.

DFS was controversial even before it opened in the former Durham Gilesgate Sports College premises, Durham, in September 2013.

Critics claimed its first term cost the taxpayer £900,000 – more than £25,000 per pupil.

It was set up by families living south-east of Durham City frustrated at being unable to get their children into the high-performing Durham Johnston School. It is still awaiting a permanent site.