S4C is developing a three-part drama, called Y Pennaeth, showcasing the failures that allowed to stop the peadophile former head teacher Neil Foden to abuse girls.
Y Pennaeth is about a former head teacher (portrayed by Mark Lewis Jones) who was arrested in 2023. He was sentenced to 17 years in prison for sexually abusing four girls between 2019 and 2023. An independent review, conducted in 2025, concluded that more than 50 opportunities had been missed to stop Neil Foden from sexually abusing girls. Y Pennaeth will look into the events that took place from the point of view of young girls who are survivors of abuse.
Although the show Y Pennaeth (The Head Teacher – working title) is based on evidence from the case, some characters and many of the scenes will be fictionalised in order to protect the survivors’ identities. North Wales Police have ensured that all survivors involved in the court case are made aware of the project. The production company has offered them access to professional support.
Y Pennaeth is produced by MOJO Productions, which has been developing it with S4C for 18 months. The show is written by Llinos Gerallt (Yr Amgueddfa). During its research and writing phase the screenwriter and production company worked together with a journalist who served as a contact point between them and those involved in and affected by the events.
The show is produced by Llyr Morus and directed by Huw Chiswell.
Gwenllian Gravelle who is S4C’s Outgoing Drama and Film Commissioner said, “This is an important and shocking story about how one man in a position of trust and power betrayed his status over a period of many years, and asks difficult questions about cultures where one individual is seen as someone who cannot be challenged.” She added: “Developed with great care and sensitivity, the production deals with the subject in a responsible way, focusing on the wider results of the betrayal by a public figure who was entrusted with responsibility and care.”
The show will air on S4C next year.
Source: C21 Media
