Whistleblower prompted probe that uncovered irregularities at Brafford free school

The figures emerged in a report from an investigation into the finances of one of Yorkshire’s first free schools, which was prompted by a tip-off by a whistleblower.

The internal audit by a branch of the Department for Education (DfE) also highlighted how more than £600 was spent on staff parties or meals, £169 went to help a teacher buy new clothes and payments were made to cover deposit, rent and furniture purchases for staff members at the King’s Science Academy in Bradford.

Elsewhere, the report says a former chair of governors was paid £2,400 for chairing three meetings that appeared to be contrary to the school’s funding agreement with the DfE.

Investigators also asked the school five times for information between January and March on how the school had selected some of its suppliers but did not receive any information in response.

The report by the Education Funding Agency (EFA) is dated May but was only published by the Government last night.

The free school was one of the first to open in Yorkshire in 2011 and was visited by Prime Minister David Cameron last year.

He wrote to principal Sajid Raza saying he was impressed and would tell Education Secretary Michael Gove about their 
work.

Earlier this year it was found to require improvement by Ofsted.

The Yorkshire Post was unable to contact Mr Raza yesterday. An undated statement on the school’s website from the chair of 
governors said, however, that since becoming aware of issues in a draft EFA report, the governing body had taken “robust” action.

“The significant changes in membership has seen governors with expertise in finance, HR and education appointed to the governing body,” it said.

“This now means that governors are able to effectively challenge the academy leadership, by having in place robust, accountable, systems and procedures which are constantly reviewed.

“This has led to significant improvements in governance which has been recognised by the EFA and in independent reviews.”

A statement on behalf of the academy added: “The financial and governance systems were initially very weak due to the unprecedented pace of opening the school within 2/3 months from approval and the lack of training and support available for new governors. It is of no surprise that the draft EFA report has highlighted some weaknesses with regards to the financial systems and governance two years ago in their historical review.

“Alongside this review, the principal also instigated a full and thorough internal review of finance and governance using Crow Clark and Whitehill.

“This review also identified areas for developments and further improvements. It was clear in both reviews that there were weak financial controls and governance.

“There were also some serious issues emanating from poor accounting, which the Governing Body has addressed robustly by appointing a new well-qualified finance team and removing others from office. There has been no misappropriation of funds and all expenditure has been academy related.”

A spokesman for the Department for Education insisted that academies and free schools are subject to tougher financial accountability measures that other state schools.

He added: “Unfortunately no system of financial accountability for any school can guarantee it will prevent all wrongdoing.

“However, we take swift action when concerns are raised – academies and free schools cannot hide from their financial responsibilities.”