A 61-year-old school finance manager has been jailed for stealing more than £70,000 from Bramcote C of E Primary School, leaving pupils without essential resources, including up-to-date computers.
Wendy Gill, of Stanton Road, Ilkeston, abused her position as the school’s business manager over six years, transferring funds from the school’s accounts into her personal bank accounts.
She was responsible for managing the school’s payroll, ordering supplies, and overseeing the school’s financial accounts. Gill’s fraud was uncovered in 2022 when the school’s governors noticed a large deficit in the budget, leading to a full financial investigation by the Local Authority.
Detectives later confirmed that Gill had transferred a total of £70,581.51 into three of her personal bank accounts between April 2016 and June 2022.
Students and Staff were hit hard by Gill’s actions
The theft had a significant impact on the school. Children were left without essential resources, including modern computers and adequate classroom supplies.
Headteacher Sarah Meredith, in a statement to the court, revealed the devastating effects of Gill’s actions on the pupils. Mrs. Meredith said: “Due to the deception and selfish acts of Mrs. Gill, the children over a number of years have missed out and suffered from being unable to access essential resources.”
At one point, the school’s parent-teacher association had to step in to provide basic materials, such as reading books.
Teachers and staff were repeatedly told by Gill that the school’s budget was tight, leading to restrictions on purchasing essential supplies.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
Gill pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position. During her sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court, she expressed deep shame and revealed she was selling her house to repay the stolen money. Recorder James Bide-Thomas sentenced her to two years and one month in prison.
In his remarks, Recorder Bide-Thomas highlighted the profound betrayal felt by the Bramcote School community. “There was no money for new computers, new toys, and there was a limit on the number of pencils and glue sticks that could be purchased.”
Police and Diocese Response
Following the sentencing, Police Staff Investigator Marie Slater, who led the investigation, said: “Wendy Gill was a well-liked member of staff and had good relationships with school staff, governors, parents, and children. Her deception deprived children of essential resources and left the school struggling to balance the books.”
The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham also issued a statement, expressing relief that the case was now resolved, and praised the resilience of the school community. “A bright future is ahead for the staff, pupils, and the whole school community.”
