Debra Poole, 63, was the business manager at Hinchley Wood Primary School in Esher and was in charge of the school bank accounts at the time the offences were committed.

She was convicted of one count of fraud by abuse of position and three counts of fraud by false representation at Kingston Crown Court on 22 February 2023, following a four-week trial.

Poole joined Hinchley Wood - which has more than 600 pupils aged four to 11 - as a school secretary in February 2000 before becoming senior administration officer four years later.

She took greater control of finances after being appointed school business manager in 2011 and was part of the senior leadership team.