Toby Lipatti-Mesme

6:00pm - 10:00pm

Email the studio

Bastille

Of The Night

Listen Live Podcasts

Former Harrogate primary school head banned from teaching

Monday, 17 June 2024 06:35

By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter

Western Primary School in Harrogate.

A former headteacher of a Harrogate primary school has been struck off from the profession following his conviction for making thousands of indecent images of children.

Matthew Shillito, who worked at Western Primary School in Harrogate, was convicted at York Magistrates’ Court in 2022 of making more than 3,800 indecent images of children between 2007 and 2015.

He pleaded not guilty and was sentenced to a community order and 200 hours of unpaid work.

Mr Shillito was appointed head of the school, on Cold Bath Road, in 2019.

Following his arrest in January 2020, North Yorkshire Police said none of his offences related to his employment at Western.

During the police investigation, Red Kite Learning Trust, the multi-academy trust which runs the school, removed Mr Shillito from his post.

His case was referred to the Teaching Regulation Authority which published the results of its investigation this week.

Mr Shillito did not attend a hearing but submitted a written statement where he continued to maintain his innocence.

His request for the hearing to be held in private was rejected by a panel.

The panel concluded that Mr Shillito’s remorse was “very limited” and he fell “significantly short” of the standards expected of the profession.

They added:

“The limited evidence of insight and remorse means that there is some risk of the repetition of this behaviour and this puts at risk the future wellbeing of pupils”

The ban means Mr Shillito can never teach at any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England.

He has a right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days of the judgement, which was delivered on May 28.

More from Local News

Harrogate MP steps up campaign to save Rotary Wood

Harrogate's MP is stepping up his campaign to ‘protect Rotary Wood’ amid Harrogate Spring Water’s proposed expansion.
Inspectors full of praise for Harrogate primary school

A Harrogate primary school has been praised by SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) in its latest report.
Harrogate's free repair café to return next weekend

Harrogate's volunteer-run Repair Café will be back next weekend, offering free fixes for broken household items.
Council issues roadworks update as Tesco works near completion

The one-way system on Skipton Road in Harrogate is expected to remain in place until later this month, as construction work linked to the new Tesco store nears completion.
Harrogate wins gold at Britain in Bloom awards

Harrogate has been awarded a gold medal at the national finals of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition.
A life of service: From military nurse to Principal of a Harrogate school

From the battlefields of the Gulf War to the classrooms of Harrogate Ladies’ College, Principal Joanna Fox’s life has been defined by courage, compassion and a deep sense of service.
Harrogate comedian to return to hometown as part of upcoming tour

Harrogate-born comedian Maisie Adam is set to return to her hometown next year as part of her brand-new UK tour, Whatsherface, which will run throughout 2026.
Swimming instructors visit Harrogate nurseries to teach water safety

Instructors from Harrogate School of Swimming have been visiting nurseries across the area to introduce young children to the basics of water safety.
Charity lunch at Harrogate hotel raises £2,700

A charity lunch held at the Yorkshire Hotel in Harrogate has raised £2,766 for Harrogate Theatre’s 125th anniversary fundraising appeal.
Knaresborough wins regional town crier competition

Knaresborough's town criers won top honours at the recent regional Town Crier Competition.
Details revealed for Ripon Christmas light switch-on

Details have been revealed for Ripon's annual Christmas light switch-on event, organised by Ripon City Council.
Parish poll could cost Ripon taxpayers £20,000, mayor's supporters say

Residents of Ripon have been warned that holding a no-confidence vote in the city's mayor could cost taxpayers up to £20,000.
Council warns man of £38 charge per flag if he puts up any more

A man who put up more than 100 flags around a North Yorkshire market town has been told he will be charged a £38 removal fee per flag if he puts up any more.
Harrogate restaurant shortlisted at national Curry Awards

A Harrogate restaurant has been shortlisted for a national award celebrating the best of the UK's curry industry.
WATCH: Trailer released for Christmas film featuring Knaresborough and Wetherby

An official trailer has been released for an upcoming festive film which was partly filmed in the Harrogate district.
Viral pub crawler returns to Knaresborough pubs

The creator behind The Great British Pub Crawl returned to Knaresborough as part of a long-running national project documenting pubs across the UK.
Coral Windows begins new sponsorship with Harrogate Junior football club

A Harrogate junior football club has gained new support from a regional business, as Coral Windows begins a sponsorship partnership with Pannal Ash Junior Football Club.
Tickets go on sale for Love to Be Festival 2026 in Harrogate

Tickets of popular festival went on sale on 27th October following the pre sale to previous attendees in September.
Allotment in Harrogate sell pumpkins to raise money for community shed

An allotment in Bilton are raising funds to complete a new shed and toilet facility at the Bachelor Gardens allotments.
Mayor of North Yorkshire visits Harrogate company to reduce digital inequality

A Harrogate technology company and a partner charity focused on digital inclusion welcomed the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, as part of a visit centre.