A young teacher at one of Britain's most exclusive Catholic schools has been permanently barred from the profession after engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a sixth-form student.
Ella Clements, 25, who served as a junior housemistress at the prestigious St Mary's School Ascot, was found to have committed "unacceptable professional conduct" following a Teaching Regulation Agency misconduct panel.
Elite School Setting
The incident occurred at the renowned independent boarding and day school in Berkshire, where annual fees reach £45,000 and whose alumni include prominent figures in British society. St Mary's, which educates girls aged 11 to 18, has built a reputation for academic excellence and strong Catholic values.
Clements admitted to multiple allegations during the hearing, acknowledging she had engaged in conduct that lacked integrity and failed to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with the student.
Serious Breach of Trust
The panel heard how Clements, in her role as a junior housemistress, held a position of significant responsibility within the school's boarding community. This role required her to act as both educator and guardian to students in her care.
"The panel was satisfied that the conduct of Ms Clements involved breaches of the Teachers' Standards," the ruling stated. "She abused her position of trust as a teacher and failed to maintain professional boundaries with a student."
Immediate Dismissal and Consequences
St Mary's School Ascot took swift action upon discovering the relationship, immediately suspending Clements before terminating her employment. The school then reported the matter to the Teaching Regulation Agency, triggering the misconduct proceedings.
The panel imposed the most severe sanction available, stating that a prohibition order was "both proportionate and appropriate" given the seriousness of the misconduct. The order means Clements cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, or other specified educational institution in England.
School's Response
In a statement, St Mary's School Ascot emphasised its commitment to student welfare and robust safeguarding procedures. "The wellbeing of our students is our absolute priority," a school spokesperson said. "We have comprehensive safeguarding policies in place and take immediate action whenever these standards are not met."
The case serves as a stark reminder of the professional boundaries required in educational settings and the serious consequences when those boundaries are crossed.
