Wendy Gill, a school finance manager, has been sentenced to two years and one month in prison for embezzling over £70,000 from Bramcote C of E Primary School, significantly impacting students’ access to essential resources. The 61-year-old transferred school funds into her personal accounts over a six-year period while overseeing payroll, supplies, and bank accounts.
Nottingham Crown Court learned that Gill’s fraudulent activities came to light in 2022 when school governors discovered a projected deficit of £21,158—far exceeding the figure she had reported to the head teacher. This prompted a financial investigation by the Local Authority, uncovering serious discrepancies.
After being suspended on June 20, 2022, Gill resigned a week later. An analysis of her bank statements revealed that £70,581.51 had been fraudulently transferred into three accounts belonging to her between April 2016 and June 2022. During a police interview, she admitted to the allegations but refused to disclose her motives.
The court heard that Gill’s actions forced students to go without essential resources, prompting the parent-teacher association to purchase reading materials. In a powerful statement, headteacher Sarah Meredith expressed the deep impact of Gill’s betrayal on the school community and its children.
Recorder James Bide-Thomas, during the sentencing, emphasized the extent of the betrayal felt by the close-knit school community, which had relied on Gill’s integrity and financial advice. Gill has expressed feelings of “utter shame” and is selling her house to repay the stolen funds.