The headteacher of St Aloysius’ College in Archway has been suspended from his post after being arrested on suspicion of fraud.

Islington Gazette: St Aloysius College headteacher Tom Mannion. Picture: Tony GaySt Aloysius College headteacher Tom Mannion. Picture: Tony Gay (Image: Archant)

Tom Mannion, who has been at the helm of the Catholic boys’ school since 2004, was arrested at the college on Wednesday last week. Parents were set to be informed today (Thursday).

The 74-year-old presided over the school being awarded an “outstanding” rating after Ofsted’s latest inspection in 2012 and was presented with an OBE three years later for services to education.

The Hornsey Lane comprehensive school, which counts acting titans Peter Sellers and Sir Michael Gambon among its alumni, was founded in 1879 and operates in the Archdiocese of Westminster. In 2010 the school joined Central Foundation, Highbury Fields and Highbury Grove in the Islington 6th Form Consortium.

A spokesman for the Islington National Education Union said: “The union was surprised to hear at the end of last week that the headteacher of St Aloysius’ College, most of whose teachers we represent, was questioned by the police and suspended.

Islington Gazette: St Aloysius Catholic College in Hornsey Lane. Picture: Polly HancockSt Aloysius Catholic College in Hornsey Lane. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Archant)

“In the weeks ahead, we look forward to be able to support our members through what are likely to be difficult timed for the school and to put in place and to implement properly agreed procedures that will encourage stable industrial and relation and improved staff morale at the school.”

A spokesman for the Diocese said: “There have been allegations of fraud at St Aloysius College in Islington and the governing body is actively working with the police to aid their ongoing investigation.

“The governors are taking the matter very seriously and have instructed an independent investigator to work alongside the police investigation to review school procedures.

“The governing body are also working in close partnership with the Diocese and council, who are fully supportive of the action taken.

“The welfare and learning of all students at the college remains the college’s key priority in the weeks ahead. The governing body will not be making any more statements whilst the investigation takes place.”

In a statement last week, police said: “On January 15, police were made aware of an allegation of fraud at a school in Islington. A 74-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud on January 17 and has been released under investigation. Officers from Central North CID are investigating.”

An Islington Council spokesman said: “We are aware police are investigating an allegation of fraud at a school in Islington. We cannot comment further at this time.”

The Gazette has made repeated attempts since January 17 to contact Mr Mannion via the school, the council and the Diocese for a comment and has been unsuccessful. We will continue to do so.