Belfast Telegraph apologises for unfair headline and article about top grammar school
A top Belfast grammar school was unfairly described in a newspaper headline as being 'damned' by inspectors, the High Court heard today.
Campbell College also received an apology as part of a settlement reached in proceedings over a press report earlier this year.
A lawyer for the school said it had reached an “amicable” resolution in the case against the Belfast Telegraph’s publishers.
It followed an article in March about an Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) report on Campbell College.
In court today it was confirmed that the case has been settled.
Paul McDonnell of Carson McDowell Solicitors read out a statement approved by Mr Justice Stevens.
He said: “References in the report to the ETI requiring the school to seek external support to raise standards were incorrect and Independent News and Media (INM) confirm that no such issue was raised in the report, and that other references were also misleading.
“I also accept that the use of the word ‘damned’ in the headline was unfair and certainly not an accurate reflection of the conclusions of the report, as has also been pointed out by the Chief Inspector.”
Mr McDonnell added: “INM accordingly unreservedly apologises to Campbell College for the Belfast Telegraph headline and article.”
No further details of the settlement were disclosed.
Outside court Campbell College’s lawyer, Paul Tweed of Johnsons Solicitors, said his clients were satisfied with the “comprehensive retraction”, along with an intervention and clarification from the Chief Inspector.
Mr Tweed added: “Campbell College will continue to build on the exacting standards it has imposed upon itself for the benefit of the pupils it attracts from around the world, and will ensure that whatever talents its pupils have are developed to the maximum extent possible.”