✊ BRING BACK MR. YATES: THE HEART OF TOTTINGTON HIGH
A headteacher who changed lives is being punished for daring to be different.
In just 12 months, David Yates turned Tottington High around—stamping out bullying, championing inclusion and making students feel truly seen. His energy, compassion, and student-first approach brought hope to countless families. He made school safe. He made it joyful and fun.
While the whole team works incredibly hard, it is indisputably Mr Yates's impact that unified staff and reshaped the school's ethos. Since his suspension, that tone is slipping—and progress feels at risk.
Why was he suspended? A few complaints labelled his dynamic nature “erratic.” Yet it was these very ADHD traits—his bold energy, empathy, and creativity—that drove the school’s transformation forward. The same traits the Trust embraced when they headhunted him. A leader who truly understands and champions neurodivergent students and every other student in need.
Parents call it what it is: discrimination.
Students and staff are devastated. Families are stunned. Social media is flooding with support. The community won’t stay quiet.
Mr Yates sparked a movement: Let’s keep it alive.
- Sign the petition.
- Share widely.
- Speak out.
Don’t punish passion and difference. Protect the progress.
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Updates
Reached 2,500 supporters
September 6, 2025
Reached 1,000 supporters
July 16, 2025
Reached 100 supporters
July 15, 2025
1,116 Comments
I cannot agree with this decision- it is discrimination and ableist. If a staff member needs support for their ADHD they should be given that- not punished. To the trust- sort this out without delay- apologise and learn from this. You made the wrong call.
I've known David yates since back in the late 90's at Middleton technology. Having seen what he has done for this school is remarkable and should be commended not disciplined. Give the children their headteacher back, let the children have a voice.
Mr Yates changed my life for the better! He got me from failing every GCSE to passing them all! Stop the discrimination! He is such a lovely guy and does not deserve the social media he is getting! Get him back at doing what he is best at! TEACHING!!!
The one and only good thing to come from this school was mr Yates! What he did in the little time he was here is more than what’s been done in years!! I’m seriously considering moving my child just like a lot of other people if he doesn’t come back.
Mr Yates is the only reason, due to his past performances at his previous schools and at THS that my daughter is sending her son to Tottington High School. He needs to be reinstated ASAP so he can continue to lead this school to be the best in Bury.
This man is an exceptional teacher and doesn't deserve the way he's been treated.
SEEN LOADS OF VIDEOS ABOUT HIM
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✊ BRING BACK MR. YATES: THE HEART OF TOTTINGTON HIGH
A headteacher who changed lives is being punished for daring to be different.
In just 12 months, David Yates turned Tottington High around—stamping out bullying, championing inclusion and making students feel truly seen. His energy, compassion, and student-first approach brought hope to countless families. He made school safe. He made it joyful and fun.
While the whole team works incredibly hard, it is indisputably Mr Yates's impact that unified staff and reshaped the school's ethos. Since his suspension, that tone is slipping—and progress feels at risk.
Why was he suspended? A few complaints labelled his dynamic nature “erratic.” Yet it was these very ADHD traits—his bold energy, empathy, and creativity—that drove the school’s transformation forward. The same traits the Trust embraced when they headhunted him. A leader who truly understands and champions neurodivergent students and every other student in need.
Parents call it what it is: discrimination.
Students and staff are devastated. Families are stunned. Social media is flooding with support. The community won’t stay quiet.
Mr Yates sparked a movement: Let’s keep it alive.
- Sign the petition.
- Share widely.
- Speak out.
Don’t punish passion and difference. Protect the progress.
Sign up to the newsletter to stay informed:
Updates
Reached 2,500 supporters
September 6, 2025
Reached 1,000 supporters
July 16, 2025
Reached 100 supporters
July 15, 2025
1,116 Comments
Wonderful man! We just want him back, the school has rapidly gone downhill already since he hasn't been there. We've had many different issues in the last few months that aren't being addressed, if Mr Yates was there, this would all be sorted out by now.
I cannot agree with this decision- it is discrimination and ableist. If a staff member needs support for their ADHD they should be given that- not punished. To the trust- sort this out without delay- apologise and learn from this. You made the wrong call.
I've known David yates since back in the late 90's at Middleton technology. Having seen what he has done for this school is remarkable and should be commended not disciplined. Give the children their headteacher back, let the children have a voice.
Mr Yates changed my life for the better! He got me from failing every GCSE to passing them all! Stop the discrimination! He is such a lovely guy and does not deserve the social media he is getting! Get him back at doing what he is best at! TEACHING!!!
The one and only good thing to come from this school was mr Yates! What he did in the little time he was here is more than what’s been done in years!! I’m seriously considering moving my child just like a lot of other people if he doesn’t come back.
Mr Yates is the only reason, due to his past performances at his previous schools and at THS that my daughter is sending her son to Tottington High School. He needs to be reinstated ASAP so he can continue to lead this school to be the best in Bury.
This man is an exceptional teacher and doesn't deserve the way he's been treated.
SEEN LOADS OF VIDEOS ABOUT HIM
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Wonderful man! We just want him back, the school has rapidly gone downhill already since he hasn't been there. We've had many different issues in the last few months that aren't being addressed, if Mr Yates was there, this would all be sorted out by now.