On 29 March 2018, The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) received allegations about the Multi Academy Trust (MAT) Education for the 21st Century (E21C). The allegations related to off-payroll payments being made to the Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO’s) personal service company. ESFA also found that the MAT didn’t declare all these payments to Paul Murphy’s company and it was found that the MAT didn’t deduct Tax and National Insurence: which makes what he’s done even worse! 

Now, as one of the 6000+ students that E21C educates, I feel that Paul Murphy - former CEO responsible for the off-payroll payments - should be held to account. I'm calling for him to be held accountable! A clear example needs to be set that you can not use public funds in this way. In total £145,006 worth of public money was additionally paid to Paul Murphy’s personal service company for his duties as CEO, this is on top of his £125,000 -£130,000 annual salary he received in 2016-2017. This is money that could have been spent on resources and teachers.  

In the ESFA report published in November 2018, Paul Murphy’s personal service company's name is redacted. After looking at E21C's Financial Statements for 2016-2017, a company quoted as; 'a business owned by the Head Teacher' providing 'CEO services to the academy trust' is named as SPHA Ltd. In 2016-2017, Paul Murphy billed the MAT £40,000. It is clear, from companies house, that Paul Murphy is the sole director. Which shows he's been doing this for a while and has only now been caught. 

We can't let Paul Murphy get away with this - sign this petition now and hold him accountable for his actions! 

In the press: 

South​ London​ Press​ Article​ 

News Shopper Article ​

Tes News Article

Relevant links:

Financial notice to improve: Education for the 21st Century​

E21C Accounts 2016-2017​

Paul Murphy's company - SPHA Ltd​

ESFA Report - Nov 2018