A headteacher once dubbed the best in the UK has been suspended by her academy trust.
Karen Hutchings was known for turning around failing schools and has a stellar reputation in the education sector. Her work was recognised when she was named "Headteacher of the Year" in the prestigious Times Educational Supplement (TES) awards in 2016.
At the time, Ann Mroz, then editor of TES, said: "Karen Hutchings is a shining example of a headteacher who epitomises inspirational leadership."
But Mrs Hutchings is now under investigation, Liverpool Echo reports.
A statement from Sail Academy said: "Karen Hutchings has been suspended and is under investigation". A representative for Mrs Hutchings said she had no comment on the situation.
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Google Streetview)When Mrs Hutchings was also named head of the year by the Liverpool Echo in 2016, she said she was stunned that "a little girl from Norris Green" area of the city could triumph and beat many other secondary heads.
In November last year her £158,389 salary was subject to a row between the academy and the unions. A joint statement from unions GMB, NASUWT, NEU and UNISON accused Sail Academy Trust of denying staff "proper pay and conditions" at New Park Primary and its other school, Roscoe Primary School in Clubmoor, Liverpool.
The statement said: "These salaries are far in excess of the largest salaries that are permissible in the National Pay and Conditions of service for teachers for schools of the size of New Park and Roscoe."
The trust strongly denied its executive team were overpaid, calling claims by the unions "erroneous and malicious".
The Echo understands deputy head teacher Kelly Ann Poulson has been appointed acting head teacher while the investigation process is ongoing.
