Tragic Death of Physics Teacher Following Dismissal from Prestigious College
A respected physics teacher at one of Britain's most prestigious independent schools took his own life after being dismissed over comments made during a school exchange trip, the Daily Mail can reveal. John Wright, 54, had taught at £60,000-a-year Marlborough College for a decade before his sudden dismissal this summer.
The Incident That Led to Dismissal
Mr Wright was accompanying students on a 17-day exchange trip to Malaysia and Singapore when he allegedly made what the college deemed inappropriate remarks. The incident occurred as the group disembarked at a metro station in Singapore, where he reportedly made an off-hand comment: 'No gum, no gays.'
The remark was understood to reference laws in both countries visited during the trip - Singapore's ban on chewing gum and Malaysia's prohibition of homosexuality. College officials stated that Mr Wright was dismissed following serious 'inappropriate conduct' that led to an internal disciplinary hearing.
Family's Outrage and College Response
Mr Wright's family have expressed fury over his treatment, insisting the comments were 'innocuous' and didn't warrant dismissal. They claim he was suspended without warning despite having a spotless employment record and that the college failed to properly investigate or consider testimony from other teachers who defended his conduct.
A source close to the family stated: 'The way John was treated was outrageous. These were not offensive comments. Perhaps you could say they were inappropriate, but they shouldn't have led to his sacking.'
Tragically, Mr Wright was found by his wife Rachel at their family home in Marlborough, Wiltshire, on November 3. The location was just a ten-minute walk from the college where he had dedicated his teaching career.
Culture of Fear at Prestigious Institution
Sources suggest the incident has exposed a 'culture of fear' among staff at the prestigious college, where teachers reportedly feel vulnerable to allegations from students from wealthy backgrounds. A former colleague, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed: 'The pupils are incredibly entitled and believe they have the right to make accusations against you if you challenge them.'
Marlborough College, which counts the Princess of Wales among its former pupils, maintains that a thorough disciplinary process was followed and multiple allegations against Mr Wright were substantiated. The college stated it offered 'heartfelt condolences to John Wright's family' but declined to comment further.
An inquest opened last week at Wiltshire Coroner's Court recorded the cause of death as asphyxiation with compression of the neck structures by a ligature. The proceedings have been adjourned while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this tragic case.
