A shamed Glasgow drama teacher who engaged in a sexual relationship with a former pupil and gave birth to his child has been permanently banned from the classroom. The teacher, who has been granted anonymity, began the relationship with the 18-year-old after he left school and delivered his baby in July 2021.
Allegations and Findings
While employed by Glasgow City Council, the teacher was accused of sexual misconduct when the pupil was under 18 and still attending school, prompting a police investigation. However, these allegations were deemed not proven by the General Teaching Council (GTCS) panel. An additional claim that she started an intimate relationship between November 2018 and June 2019 was also found not proven.
The teacher admitted to maintaining a sexual relationship with the teenager from December 2019 to an unknown date in 2022, when he was between 18 and 20 years old. She gave birth to his child in July 2021, at which point the couple had separated. She also confessed to driving alone with the pupil and traveling with him on public transport.
Inconsistent Evidence
The GTCS report noted that the teenager had messaged the teacher, threatening to “finish her career as a teacher.” He later withdrew allegations in a letter to her solicitor. The teacher provided evidence showing she was on holiday in Tenerife on dates he claimed they were together in 2018, leading the panel to deem his evidence “inconsistent” and not proven. He declined to participate in proceedings.
The report stated: “The teacher gave evidence that the sexual relationship had not commenced until after the pupil had left school, and that while he was a pupil, their relationship had been professional at all times, albeit relaxed. She now recognised that she should have maintained clearer boundaries.”
Fitness to Teach Impaired
The panel found that the teacher failed to maintain appropriate boundaries and lacked developed insight, presenting a current risk to herself and others. The behaviour had not been remedied, and there was a likelihood of reoccurrence. Consequently, her fitness to teach was deemed impaired.
The panel determined a significant falling short of professional standards due to the seriousness of the circumstances, lack of insight, and no evidence of remediation. They noted the absence of references and training in boundaries or resilience. The public interest was engaged, as maintaining confidence in the profession and regulator was crucial.
Deterrent Effect
The panel stated: “A reasonably informed member of the public would expect the regulator to consider the conduct displayed fell significantly short of what was expected by a teacher. The Panel had a duty to declare the full standards and ensure a deterrent effect.” The teacher has been struck off the register and barred from applying for re-registration for two years.
