A leading independent school in Aberdeen has dismissed its director of music after an investigation.
St Margaret’s School for Girls said it had terminated Peter Parfitt’s contract after completing a “substantial internal investigation”.
Police said they were kept informed about the investigation and that they would look into any information that was passed to them.
School bosses confirmed that they carried out due diligence when Mr Parfitt became director of music in 2007.
They also confirmed that they obtained references, along with satisfactory enhanced disclosure, from his previous employer.
A spokeswoman for the school said: “At St Margaret’s we are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for our pupils, and the school takes any concerns brought to them very seriously.
“After a substantial internal investigation, the director of music, Mr Parfitt, has been dismissed. The relevant regulatory bodies have been informed.
“At St Margaret’s we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and teaching, and our absolute priority is the well-being of our pupils.”
‘Concerning behaviour’
A police spokeswoman said: “We were made aware by a school in Aberdeen about the concerning behaviour of a member of staff.
“The school conducted an internal investigation and officers were kept informed.
“Any information police receive in relation to this will be investigated thoroughly.”
Mr Parfitt became musical director of the Aberdeen Bach Choir (ABC) in 2010. He previously held teaching posts in Winchester and director of music positions at schools in Hampshire, London and East Sussex.
The 56-year-old has also directed a number of choral and operatic societies, and appeared with many others as a soloist.
He is an external examiner for the Oxford and Cambridge examinations board and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Founded in 1846, St Margaret’s is the oldest all-through girls’ school in Scotland.
St Margaret’s’ website states that it offers a “supportive and welcoming environment, where we strive to support each girl to achieve her potential in both the curricular and extra-curricular life of the school”.
We have attempted to contact Mr Parfitt for comment.
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