A hard-hitting documentary, Foden: O Brifathro i Bedoffeil (Foden: From Headteacher to Paedophile), has been released on S4C, revealing deep-seated safeguarding failures linked to former headteacher Neil Foden and a decade-long journalistic investigation into his conduct.
Foden, a former headteacher at Ysgol Friars in Bangor and a powerful union figure, was sentenced to 17 years in prison in July 2024 after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against children. The documentary examines how, for years, he was able to maintain positions of trust and authority while concealing the true extent of his actions.
Beyond Foden’s own crimes, the programme reveals troubling evidence that safeguarding concerns involving other teachers at the same school were not fully or independently investigated. Testimony and documentation featured in the film suggest that allegations against staff were, in some cases, handled internally rather than escalated, allowing individuals to resign quietly without full disciplinary or safeguarding processes being completed.
The investigation highlights instances where procedures were allegedly curtailed or redirected, raising questions about accountability, oversight, and whether opportunities were missed to protect pupils from harm. Journalists involved in the programme describe a culture in which reputation and institutional stability were prioritised over thorough investigation.
Safeguarding experts interviewed in the documentary stress that the failures identified are not solely about one individual, but point to systemic weaknesses in how concerns were managed, recorded, and followed up. Subsequent reviews have identified numerous missed chances to intervene earlier, which could have limited or prevented further abuse.
The programme also reflects on the lasting impact on victims and survivors, many of whom say their voices were not heard when concerns were first raised. The documentary argues that learning from these failures is essential to prevent similar cases in the future.
How to Watch the Programme
S4C – 9pm 27 January, S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer. The documentary is available to watch with English subtitles.
Photo: S4C
