A deputy headteacher has been permanently barred from the classroom after engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a sixth-form pupil and exchanging sexually charged messages.
Guyana-born Nester Kelly, 44, who worked at the Fullbrook School in New Haw, Surrey, admitted to a series of professional misconduct charges brought by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).
The professional panel heard that between March and May 2022, Kelly exchanged over 1,000 WhatsApp messages with the student, many of which were of an inappropriate and sexual nature.
Crossing Professional Boundaries
Despite being in a position of trust, Kelly frequently initiated contact with the pupil outside school hours. The messages included discussions about meeting in person and contained sexually explicit content.
During the hearing, Kelly admitted to sending messages that referenced meeting the student and contained sexual innuendo. He also acknowledged that his conduct was inappropriate and failed to maintain proper professional boundaries.
Lifetime Teaching Prohibition
After considering the evidence, the TRA panel concluded that Kelly's actions amounted to unacceptable professional conduct. They issued a lifetime prohibition order, meaning he cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, or youth accommodation in England.
In their decision, the panel stated: "There was a deliberate and calculated attempt to engage the pupil in inappropriate communications of a sexual nature. Mr. Kelly's actions have potentially damaged the public's perception of the teaching profession."
The school has confirmed that Kelly was suspended immediately when the allegations came to light and has not returned to the institution since.
