Julian Johnson-Munday has been charged with fraud over claims of abusing the role of head at the Culford School - an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

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Appearing at Norwich Crown Court the 63-year-old, of The Pound in Burnham Market, entered pleas to an amended charge sheet, denying two counts of fraud by abuse of position and two counts of fraud by false representation.

The charges allege he used a school credit card to buy £1,860 worth of Lord’s cricket tickets and pay off £80 in parking fines between November 18 2021 and August 21 2022.

His trial was set for February 2028.

Julian Johnson-Munday was dismissed as Culford School head in July 2023 (Image: Submitted)

Julian Johnson-Munday (Image: Sam McEvans /PA Wire)

Johnson-Munday worked for the private school for 19 years prior to his suspension in January 2023.

The long-serving headmaster, who formerly lived on St Benedicts Street in Norwich, was dismissed from his role six months later after an investigation that the school said had found conduct that “breached a number of internal policies”.

A letter sent to parents at the time, signed by chair of governors Mark Donougher, added: "This was not a decision taken lightly and we are saddened by it.”

Culford School charges annual fees of up to £48,795 for full boarders (Image: Newsquest)

Johnson-Munday had previously appeared at Norwich Crown Court in February for a plea and trial preparation hearing wearing a fur-trimmed coat over a dark jacket and black skirt, a black and white blouse and purple leggings with a matching purple scarf and black shoes with a pearl-style buckle while holding a large handbag.

The school, formerly the East Anglian School for Boys, is set in 480 acres of Suffolk parkland near West Stow and charges fees of up to £30,780 per year for day pupils and up to £48,795 for full boarders.

International students who board face costs of up to £52,515 for the year.

It counts MPs, finance bosses, a former Rolls-Royce chairman, and football commentator John Motson among its alumni.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were rumoured to have considered sending Prince George there.

© Norwich Evening News