Tarland School parents attempt to block appointment of headteacher convicted twice of drink-driving

Parents at an Aberdeenshire primary school are attempting to block the appointment of a headteacher convicted twice of drink-driving.

An online petition was launched by parents of pupils at Tarland School in Upper Deeside after they were informed that Anna Royle was the preferred candidate for the position.

Parents learned from a Press and Journal article that Ms Royle had two drink-driving convictions in 2019 and 2024, and have issued an open letter calling for her appointment to be reconsidered.

The letter, to senior council officials, raised concerns about Ms Royle’s “suitability” for the role.

“These convictions are a matter of public record and are readily discoverable by parents and members of the wider community,” the letter read.

“We recognise that all appropriate pre-employment checks will be carried out, but we are also aware that these criminal convictions may not legally prevent appointment.

“As parents and carers of the children of Tarland School we argue that in this instance legality and suitability are not necessarily the same thing”.

It described headteachers as being “entrusted with the care, welfare and development of children and are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of judgement, responsibility, integrity and personal conduct”.

The parents added: “In our opinion and based on the publicly reported convictions, we find it difficult to reconcile those expectations with a record that includes two drink driving convictions and the failure to remain at the scene of an accident.

“Our concern is not based on personal animosity towards the candidate, nor are we making any judgement regarding her ability as a classroom teacher. Rather, we question whether an individual with this history can command the confidence, trust and respect that are essential for effective leadership of a school”.

They said that their “confidence in the ability of the preferred candidate to lead Tarland School has already been severely undermined.”

The letter added: “We therefore urge Aberdeenshire Council to reconsider this appointment and address the erosion of parent confidence which has already occurred.”

Aberdeenshire Council declined to comment.