Carolyn Corner, 50, has been banned from teaching after failing to tell Ferryhill School in County Durham that she planned to move in with a man convicted of historic sexual offences against a child.
Failure to disclose
A professional conduct panel heard how she did not inform the secondary school about her link to the male, who was sentenced to five years in prison in around 2021 for two offences of indecent assault. She also failed to tell the school that he had been released on licence in around April 2024 and that she planned to move in with him in June 2024.
The allegations came to light when the school became aware of safeguarding concerns regarding the individual. Ms Corner had known the male for approximately six years before he was sentenced, according to a report published by the Teaching Regulation Agency.
Findings and outcome
Ms Corner resigned from her position on August 31, 2024. She admitted all allegations and that she was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and/or conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute.
The panel found her conduct was dishonest and/or lacking in integrity. They said that although the school perceived her as remorseful and concerned with its reputation, she had not expressed remorse in her representations to the panel, nor demonstrated understanding that her failure to inform the school created a safeguarding risk for pupils.
The Secretary of State decided that Ms Corner should be prohibited from teaching indefinitely. She cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England. Ms Corner may apply for the prohibition order to be set aside, but not until August 4, 2029.
