A DECISION on whether former Marling School headteacher Roger Lock was unfairly dismissed from his post is due to be made later today, Wednesday, following an employment tribunal.

Mr Lock - who worked at the high achieving Stroud grammar for 30 years - was sacked from his job last year following allegations of bullying and harassment. The allegations did not involve pupils.

An employment tribunal was held at the Crescent Centre in Bristol and heard evidence over five days this week.

The panel heard how Mr Lock was suspended by Neil Carmichael, who was then chairman of the school governors.

Mr Carmichael appointed a disciplinary panel and conducted an investigation into allegations of bullying.

An independent report into management at the school was also commissioned at a cost of £5,000.

Only one conclusion was reached, the hearing was told, that Mr Lock needed further training.

After the first disciplinary hearing, Mr Lock appealed against his dismissal.

The tribunal heard that Mr Carmichael selected the subsequent appeal panel but its make-up had to be changed after Mr Lock’s legal team raised objections about some members.

Details of the alleged bullying of staff were also heard at the tribunal.

The complaints which triggered Mr Lock's suspension in November 2008 were from governor Simon Holden and two staff members.

Mr Holden thought Mr Lock had sent an anonymous letter to his employer which implied the head had concerns about him.

Meanwhile, Marling examinations officer Penny Kramer believed Mr Lock did not give her enough time to do her job and did not listen to her.

Retired head of maths Cyril Verey said Mr Lock had 'shouted' at him at two meetings when he was told to improve grades.

The tribunal also heard from Joyce Winwood, former acting headteacher at Stroud High School, who said she was 'bullied' by Mr Lock after a series of disagreements.

Adam Vaitilingam QC, for Mr Lock, gave his closing submissions on Monday.

He said the correct procedures for Mr Lock's dismissal had not been followed by Mr Carmichael.

This included 'not obtaining authority' from the governing body to carry out an investigation, to carry out the suspension, appoint a disciplinary panel or appoint an appeal panel.

Mr Vaitilingam told the panel that staff who made claims of bullying, aside from Mrs Kramer, were 'under-performing or within under-performing departments' and were 'unhappy with the changes' being made by Mr Lock or the criticism they received.

“We submit the sanction of immediate dismissal was wholly disproportionate and unreasonable,” he said.

In his closing submission, Ptar Starcevic, for Marling School, insisted the dismissal was fair.

“The decision to dismiss Mr Lock was made after a full investigation was carried out by an independent person,” he said.

“There was also two disciplinary panels which considered evidence and Mr Lock was represented by legal counsel on both occasions, I say that is fair.”

He went on to say there was a 'bulk of evidence' which showed Mr Lock had 'bullied and harassed' staff.

Mr Starcevic concluded: “In my submission it was quite proper to impose dismissal.”

The panel had to then consider whether the dismissal was fair.

A decision is due to be made later today, Wednesday - a report will be posted on our website.