Norfolk Catholic School Speaks After Priest Arrested Over Historic Abuse Claims

7 February 2013, 11:09 | Updated: 7 February 2013, 11:34

Head teacher of Notre Dame High School, Brian Conway, has released a statement after the arrest of Father Tony McSweeney - one of the school's former directors.

Following the news of the arrest of Fr Tony McSweeney I would like to make the following statement on behalf of the whole school:

Notre Dame High School regards the safeguarding of children as of paramount importance, we fully vet all members of staff, Governors and volunteers using thorough CRB/DBS checking systems, and the school’s safeguarding procedures are graded as outstanding by OFSTED. We have highly effective systems for dealing with safeguarding allegations and in such cases will always involve the correct authorities, including the police.

It must be stressed that no former or current student or member of staff at Notre Dame High School is involved in this investigation which allegedly took place in London during the 1970s and 80s.

I can confirm that Fr Tony McSweeney has voluntarily resigned his position on the Governing Body as a Director of the Academy and has no further involvement with the school.

Contact with the Metropolitan Police regarding the investigation of the historical allegations can be made by ringing the NSPCC helpline on 0808 8005000.

Parents, staff or students who wish to discuss this or any related issue are welcome to speak with me personally.

Notre Dame High School is committed to co-operating fully with the police in any investigations and at present it would not be appropriate to make any further comment.