Despina Pavlou

Who is Despina Pavlou?

Despina Pavlou was head teacher of Lord Grey School in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, England, from September 2002 to November 2006. Ms Pavlou was suspended for allegedly assaulting her Deputy Head. She was dismissed in November 2006. Confirming her dismissal, her solicitor told the Milton Keynes Citizen "Miss Pavlou will be appealing against that decision and she will have the full support of the Association of School and College Leaders in the appeal proceedings." She is known for her multiple exclusions, one of which resulted in court action against her by the excluded child's parents, claiming that she took away the student's right to education. Ms Pavlou eventually won the court case in the House of Lords after a three year legal battle. Human rights lawyer Cherie Booth represented the pupil. The national press took an interest in Ms Pavlou at this stage because of queries about what was funding the court case.

Despina Pavlou used school money to buy champagne, wine, a wooden shed and a business class flight to Australia, when she was a headteacher of Lord Grey School in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, the GTC ruled.

The GTC panel also judged she had spoken and behaved inappropriately to pupils and staff, after hearing evidence that she “bullied and harassed” people at the school.