A teacher has been banned from the profession indefinitely after lying about graduating from the University of Cambridge and falsifying his age. Nicholas Martin, former head of sixth form at St Edwards School in Cheltenham, admitted to fabricating documents and providing false information on job applications.
Martin, 43, claimed to have a master's degree in history from Cambridge in his 2025 application, despite previously stating he had a master's from Lancaster University in 2024. He provided a fake certificate, claiming the original was at home as he 'liked to show it off to friends on weekends'. Cambridge later confirmed the certificate was not genuine.
He also lied about his age, stating his date of birth as 1987 in 2025, when it was actually 1982. In his 2024 application, he claimed to be born in November 2012, which would have made him 12. Martin initially blamed handwriting confusion but later admitted the falsehood.
Additionally, Martin falsely claimed to be a magistrate, using 'JP' in his signature. HM Courts and Tribunals Service found no record of him sitting as a magistrate in recent years. He admitted to acting dishonestly at a disciplinary hearing in March.
The panel found his conduct 'fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession'. He has been banned indefinitely, with a review possible after two years.
