The mystery surrounding the abrupt departure of the headteacher of one of the Channel Islands’ smallest schools has been lifted after island politicians confirmed she was dismissed over safeguarding failures linked to her son’s child sex offences.

Sark representatives have confirmed that Sark School’s Michelle Brady was dismissed after failing to report her son’s arrest, guilty plea and imprisonment for child sexual offences, despite safeguarding obligations attached to her role.

They also announced that a Guernsey executive headteacher will oversee the school from September, supported by two full-time teachers from the neighbouring island.

Updating Chief Pleas at its latest meeting, the Chair of the Education Committee confirmed the reasons behind Ms Brady’s dismissal.

Her son was jailed for sexually assaulting a child under the age of 16 and downloading indecent images of children.

He had previously accompanied Sark children on school trips, including at least one overnight stay.

Conseiller Cragoe told Chief Pleas that Ms Brady did not tell anyone about her son’s arrest, when he was charged, when he pleaded guilty to his crimes, or when he was sentenced.

Express understands that people in Sark only became aware of Jacob Brady’s offending when news that he had been jailed was reported in February 2026.

Pictured: Jacob Brady was sent to prison in Guernsey for sexual offences against children.

Ms Brady was suspended shortly after this, when a safeguarding investigation was launched.

Conseiller Cragoe said that “the decision to dismiss Ms Brady followed serious concerns about her compliance with the safeguarding obligations attached to the head’s role”.

It was also confirmed that “there is no evidence that Sark’s children were harmed by this person” – “but that’s not the point,” noted Conseiller Cragoe.

“The obligation remained that when she became aware of his offending and the potential retrospective risks, it should have been reported.”

Conseiller Cragoe said the Education Committee, and the Sark community “remain focused on the safety, well-being, education of children of Sark School”.

Pictured: There is only one school in Sark.

Six other staff are leaving Sark school this summer, including the acting Head Teacher, a teacher, two cover teachers, and two teaching assistants.

To compensate for this, Guernsey’s Education, Sport, and Culture Committee has agreed to provide two teachers for the next academic year. They will be based in Sark full-time.

A part-time Executive Headteacher will also be appointed “to provide leadership, oversight, and support”, said Conseiller Cragoe.