A female deputy headteacher at an all-girls grammar school in southwest England has been banned indefinitely from teaching after she was found to have engaged in sexual activity with a male art teacher inside the school premises—during school hours and while pupils were nearby.
The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) revealed that the pair conducted their affair for nearly two years, repeatedly having sex in the school’s art room and a supply cupboard. Some of these incidents occurred during lessons and working hours. The investigation found that the teachers, who were both employed at the same school, failed to maintain professional boundaries and violated safeguarding responsibilities.
The affair, which began in 2015, continued until 2017 and was described as “inappropriate, unprofessional and wholly unacceptable.” It only came to light after a whistleblower alerted the school authorities. By the time the matter reached formal proceedings, the deputy head had already left the teaching profession.
According to the disciplinary panel’s report, the deputy head used her position of authority to conceal the relationship. The pair exchanged intimate messages and regularly planned their encounters during school hours. On one occasion, the deputy head reportedly made excuses to leave meetings or classes early in order to meet her colleague.
The TRA determined that her actions constituted serious misconduct and breached the Teachers’ Standards. The panel emphasized the importance of safeguarding and maintaining trust in the profession. It concluded that her behaviour was incompatible with the role of a teacher and ruled that she be banned indefinitely from the classroom.
Although the panel acknowledged that no students were physically harmed, it stated that the proximity of pupils during these encounters heightened the gravity of the misconduct. The panel found that her actions had the potential to undermine public confidence in the education system.
The male art teacher involved was also found to have engaged in unacceptable professional conduct, but his name and details remain protected due to ongoing proceedings.
The ban means the deputy head cannot teach in any school, sixth-form college, or children’s home in England. She will not be eligible to apply for the ban to be lifted for at least two years. The TRA noted that she showed limited insight or remorse and that a strong message needed to be sent to maintain the integrity of the teaching profession.
The case has sparked fresh concerns over professionalism in schools and the need for stronger internal monitoring systems to prevent such incidents from occurring unnoticed for extended periods.
