A major safeguarding review has revealed a series of failings that allowed former headteacher Neil Foden to sexually abuse pupils at Ysgol Friars in Bangor over several years.
The North Wales Safeguarding Board today (4 November 2025) published the findings of its Child Practice Review, titled “Our Bravery Brought Justice”, which examines how Foden was able to exploit his position of power and highlights missed opportunities by multiple agencies to prevent his offending.
Foden, who was headteacher of Ysgol Friars for more than two decades, was sentenced in July 2024 to 17 years in prison for 19 sexual offences against four pupils.
The review was commissioned in August 2024 after the conclusion of criminal proceedings and was carried out independently by Jan Pickles OBE, alongside two reviewers with expertise in education and child protection.
The report identifies widespread issues, including a bullying leadership culture, inadequate governance, failures in professional challenge, and repeated missed opportunities by local authorities, police, and education officials to intervene. It also examines the impact of the abuse on victims, staff, and the wider school community.
The review’s title, “Our Bravery Brought Justice”, was chosen by one of the young people who took part in the process.
In a joint statement, Jenny Williams and Nicola Stubbins, Co-Chairs of the North Wales Safeguarding Board, said:
“On behalf of the North Wales Safeguarding Board and all partner agencies involved in this review, we offer our sincerest apology to the victims. We recognise that things should have been done differently by those responsible for safeguarding children.”
They added:
“Safeguarding partners have a duty to protect vulnerable children and young people. When a case such as this occurs, it is essential that we understand what went wrong and ensure every lesson is learned.”
The report acknowledges the bravery and strength of victims and survivors who contributed to the review, noting that “The Reviewers are indebted to them.”
The North Wales Safeguarding Board has pledged to act on all recommendations to strengthen safeguarding systems and improve oversight of professionals working with children.
The full report and a child-friendly summary are available on the Board’s website:
www.northwalessafeguardingboard.wales/gwynedd-child-practice-review
