Best Start Schools 'superhead' quits amid probe into tech contracts

School's out for federation man Wallace

The man dubbed a "superhead" in charge of five London schools has resigned months after being suspended as Hackney Council continues to probe the distribution of tech contracts.

This comes after Hackney Learning Trust voiced "concerns" about the computer contracts in the schools as well as Best Start Schools federation chief Greg Wallace's "relationship with the provider C2 Technology". Reseller C2 Technology is managed by Tony Zangoura, a personal friend of Wallace.

The schools chief, who was an exec principal at Burbage, London Fields, Whitmore, Woodberry Downs and Mandeville, has tendered his resignation and officially leaves the post on 31 December.

The probe is ongoing and a spokesman at Hackney Council told us it will publish the findings in due course, "which will include any relevant disciplinary action in its recommendations".

Steve Belk, former chief exec of The Learning Trust, has stepped into Wallace's shoes until the inquiry concludes.

Back in July when the investigation came to light - it actually started in April - Hackney Council removed the delegated budget because it had "significant concerns" over the BSS federation's "management and governance".

The federation said at the time it had asked about the "precise areas of concern" from an investigations team or Hackney Council but received no further details.

"While no system ever operates perfectly, we refute entirely that there was persistent lack of governance or worse, misfeasance by this Governing Body," BSS said.

"We understand that Hackney Learning Trust has concerns about the computer contracts in the schools and Greg Wallace’s relationship with the provider C2 Technology," it added.

Peter Passam, the chair of governors at Woodbury Downs and London Fields, made it apparent to the investigating team that he was aware of the links between Wallace and C2Technology but the contracts were awarded "on quality and value for money", said BSS.

"Greg Wallace was always open with me about his connection with C2 Technology," said Passam at the time. "We are very satisfied with the work which has given children access to modern technology".

It is not clear beyond "computers" what the contracts involved or the amount of money they were worth to C2 Technology.

BSS said that under the guidance of Wallace, the performance of the schools had improved vastly, according to Ofsted reports.

Education Secretary Michael Gove previously labelled Wallace as one of the "magnificent seven" principals running schools in east London. ®