Many safeguarding failures regarding ex-school headteacher Neil Foden results in abuse of four girls
What did Neil Foden do?
Neil Foden is a former headteacher of Ysgol Friars. Foden received a 17 year prison sentence in 2024, receiving a conviction of 19 charges over 4 female victims:
- 12 counts of sexual activity with a child
- 2 counts of sexual activity with a child in a position of trust
- Causing or inciting child sexual activity
- Attempting to arrange the commission of a child sex offence
- Sexual communication with a child
- Possession of indecent photographs of a child
- Sexual assault of a child
His crimes resulted in a 17 year jail sentence. The judge also imposed a lifetime sexual harm prevention order, as well as a ten-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting victims.
Statement from Senior investigating officer
Detective Chief Inspector Sophie Chance stated:
“Neil Foden carried out a targeted and predatory campaign against vulnerable children.
“I would like to recognise the work of those in my investigation team and our CPS partners who have worked tirelessly to pursue this case and ensure he has been brought to justice.
“I extend my thanks to colleagues from the SARC who were instrumental in supporting the victims, without who the offending of Neil Foden would not have come to light.”
Full North Wales Police statement can be read here.
Findings of Gwynedd Child Practice Review
Following the conclusion of the Criminal Justice process upon Neil Foden’s conviction, a Child Practice review was commissioned. The review was published in November 2025, named ‘Our Bravery Brought Justice’.
The Cyngor Gwynedd Council leader said the authority took responsibility for mistakes made and the missed opportunities in stopping Foden from committing his crimes.
Key points include:
- Report covered events between January 2017 to 30th September 2023, with a historical allegation from 1979 coming to light
- 52 safeguarding concerns raised but not acted upon
- Repeated warnings either ignored or addressed inadequately
- Concerns first raised in 2018 but carried on until Foden’s arrest in 2023
The Gwynedd Child Practice Review has now come to an end.
Are there any charities or organisations who can help?
Regardless of time elapsed, physical and sexual abuse survivors are never alone. If you are going through a tough time – turn to love and support of family and friends if possible.
If you feel like you may have nobody to discuss your difficulties with, there are other ways to find support, guidance and signposting to help.
Charities and organisations:
Local Support for Wales:
Failing all else and in an emergency, call 999.
abuseclaims.co.uk – Experts in justice
Our in-house team of specialists has many years of combined experience in pursuing compensation from authorities, organisations and individuals, regarding physical and sexual abuse. Your voice needs to be heard, and we are on hand to offer the support and expertise to enable that to happen.
Look no further than our team of experts in historic physical and sexual abuse claims. We handle all sexual assault matters in the strictest confidence, and you can be assured that you will be treated with the dignity and respect you deserve.
Contact us on 0113 306 9001 for an impartial, no-obligation discussion about historic abuse claims.
Is Neil Foden still being investigated?
The investigation has now finished. Neil Foden is in prison, and the Gwynedd Child Practice Review concluded following the North Wales Police investigation, covering the period between January 2017 and the 30th of September 2023.
Can sexual or physical abuse still be reported to the police?
If you feel ready, you can report physical or sexual abuse, or any other crime, to the police at any time. If you have worries about the effect this may have on your mental wellbeing, speak to your GP or healthcare practitioner.
How does Physical and Sexual Abuse happen in an education setting?
Many factors can contribute towards abuse happening in education. Teachers and staff spend much time with students, and unfortunately a small number of people can take advantage of their position and prey on vulnerable children.
Proper safeguarding, thorough checks and a confidence to be able to voice concerns are vital in settings where responsibility over others occurs.
Sexual Assault is a crime
Individuals are under the care of either a Local Authority, governing body or academy trust. Sexual and physical assault is a crime, and survivors deserve to be heard.
If possible, report any incident to the police so it can be officially looked into. It will also help if you decide to take legal action.
Schools have a duty of care to protect children and staff. When this duty of care is breached, legal repercussions may result.
Am I eligible to make a claim?
If you have been sexually or physically abused, you are entitled to seek justice and compensation. Time limits can be an issue in some aspects of law, but do not be afraid to come forward and make an enquiry. This will all be discussed in full at the very beginning.
Depending on the type of claim or how long ago it occurred, several types of action can be sought, including:
- Criminal law claims via the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
- Claims against the establishment or authority
- Civil law claims against individuals
We have an in-house team of compassionate legal experts, and we are here to ensure that your matter is handled with the dignity and respect you deserve.
Contact our team on 0113 306 9001 for an no-obligation enquiry about making a claim for compensation for sexual or physical abuse.
What compensation can I claim for?
Civil claims for sexual or physical abuse can include the following types of compensation:
- General damages – An award of money for the abuse/assaults themselves and for the pain, suffering and any psychological effects.
- Special damages – An award for any specific financial losses we can prove, such as loss of earnings or the costs of any treatment or counselling.
- Aggravated damages – An additional award of money in certain cases where the court considers that there has been additional distress caused by the manner in which the abuse occurred.
Your case-handler will be able to walk you through every step of the process and answer any questions or ease any concerns you may have. Each case is completely unique, and therefore it must be handled in a way that suits you best as an individual.
How can abuseclaims.co.uk help?
We have years of experience working with survivors of sexual and physical abuse. We have a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that we approach each individual case understanding the impact that trauma can have.
We offer:
Free, confidential initial advice
- No-win, no-fee on accepted cases
Extensive experience with Historical Sexual Abuse cases
We are partnered with Trauma to Triumph.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I sue for for sexual abuse that happened at school?
Yes, you can. It can take many years to come to terms with abuse before deciding to take action. Our team will talk through this with you upon your initial enquiry to make sure you are comfortable and happy to proceed.
- It’s been years since I left school. Am I still eligible to make a claim?
Most claims for abuse in education are actually brought many years after the abuse occurred. It is part of our job to investigate the school and establish whether it still exists.
Sometimes educational establishments change their name, have a change of ownership or move to a different address.
It may be that the school closed many years ago and the building has been demolished, but this does not necessarily mean that you cannot claim.
Our solicitors are experienced in investigating historic abuse claims. We will undertake thorough enquiries to work out who the claim should be brought against and to obtain the information we need to pursue the case.
- I was a troublemaker at school and my record might reflect this. Will it go against me?
Certainly not! It is not unusual for a child or young person at school who is suffering abuse to ‘go off the rails’ or for their school performance or behaviour to decline.
In fact, evidence of this in your records can often support your case if the timing fits with when you say the abuse was happening.
- What evidence do I need?
Having reported an incident to the police could help your case going forward. It is never too late to report such a crime. Other evidence can include witnesses, diary entries, trips to the GP, counselling visits or other related healthcare appointments.
Our team will work to gain other records that may help your case, all of which will be fully discussed with you.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you experienced sexual abuse at school or in an educational facility, regardless of how long ago, our specialist abuse claim solicitors can help.
Contact our team of experts on 0113 306 9001 for a confidential, compassionate, free initial claim assessment.
