One UK Man Sues His Son’s School

All schools have a responsibility to educate their student and equip them with the tools they will need to succeed throughout life, but some schools are under more pressure than others. Abbotsholme School, for example, is an independent private boarding school located in Staffordshire, England. The school prides itself on offering the highest tier of education to encourage independent thinkers, develop curious thinkers, and provide a progressive education.

However, one father is challenging Abbotsholme and its ability to help all students succeed. Fifty-seven-year-old Scott Craddock recently had papers served to the school to officially impose a warning of his intention to sue. He made quite a statement in the way that he served the papers, choosing to hand the warning papers to headmaster Steve Fairclough and the chairman of the governors in the middle of speeches at the school’s summer gathering. His warning is based on the grounds of Abbotsholme not delivering on its promises to help his 17-year-old son David.

Craddock worked as a truck driver in the Middle East in order to afford five years of tuition at a rate of £28,000 a year. He expected David to emerge from the school with multiple GCSEs under his belt, but that did not happen. In England, GCSEs are internationally recognized qualifications awarded to students who pass tests in certain subjects like English, math, and science. Out of the eight GCSes David could have received at Abbotsholme, he left with only one.

According to Craddock, “David was disheartened when he got his results. He said ‘you spent all that money on my education and I walk away with one GCSE.’ I sent David to Abbotsholme but in my opinion the school is not value for money in any way, shape or form.”

Headmaster Fairclough cannot comment on the ongoing legal battle with Craddock, but emphasized to reporters that, “Abbotsholme School prides itself on providing a balanced education and creating an environment where a passion for learning and continuous improvement is the norm for both pupils and staff.”