Further inquiry ordered into Cambridge High School

By STUART DYE and AINSLEY THOMSON

The Minister of Education has called for another high-level inquiry to investigate a widening controversy around Cambridge High School.

Trevor Mallard has asked Auditor-General Kevin Brady to examine the Waikato school and, in particular, principal Alison Annan.

It would be the third investigation by a Government agency announced in the past two weeks. The Qualifications Authority and the Education Review Office are already looking into the school.

National attention has been focused on the school amid allegations of exam manipulation and staff bullying.

A ministry spokeswoman said the Auditor-General had been asked to investigate a possible conflict of interest between Mrs Annan and a private international college.

It is understood the college is Cambridge International College, where Mrs Annan also holds the role of principal.

In particular, questions will be raised over whether international travel by Mrs Annan and her husband, Ron, had been paid for by Cambridge High School for the benefit of the international college.

The private college offers a one-year programme for Year 13 foreign fee-paying students, which is designed to make them achieve the entry criteria for university.

In a letter to Mr Brady, Mr Mallard said: "The allegations point to the use of funding from the board of the high school for overseas travel that may have benefited the private college."

He would not reveal the source of the allegations but said it would be irresponsible not to follow them up.

Neither Mrs Annan nor her husband could be contacted for comment.

Diana Grantham, chairwoman of Cambridge High's board of trustees, said she believed the allegations had been investigated in 2002.

But the board welcomed any external review which would help put to rest issues raised in the media.