Teacher bullied by head awarded £86,000

A teacher forced to retire early with stress after being bullied by her headmistress has won more than £86,000 in damages and legal costs.

Margaret Menzies, 58, who now lives in New Zealand, went on sick leave from her post at Chalgrove Primary School in Barnet in January 2001 and was granted early retirement on health grounds the following September.

She said the bullying she endured at the hands of Valerie Hughes, who resigned in July 2001, had left her incapable of setting foot inside a school.

The National Union of Teachers said the verdict, and £86,487 payout, sent a message to heads that bullying of their members would not be tolerated.

Among the incidents Ms Menzies cited were Mrs Hughes's refusal to give her a day off to have a scan at hospital, or to endorse her application for a bonus. Ms Menzies said: "I suffered the drip, drip effect of undermining treatment."

Judge Brian Knight ruled in May at Central London County Court that Barnet, as Ms Menzies's employer, breached its duty of care. Publication of the result was delayed until damages were agreed.