Teacher Barred for Sending Money to Former Pupil and Buying Fast Food for Students
Roger Towersey, a geography teacher formerly employed at Ditton Park Academy in Slough, Berkshire, has been prohibited from teaching indefinitely after admitting to actions that constituted unacceptable professional conduct. The Teaching Regulation Agency panel found his behaviour could bring the teaching profession into disrepute.
Financial Transactions with Former Student
Between October 2023 and April 2024, the 37-year-old educator sent multiple social media messages to a former pupil. During late March and early April 2024, he transferred a total of £500 to this individual through various payments. Bank statements examined by the TRA confirmed these financial transactions.
In his communications, Mr Towersey discussed personal matters with the former student, including college plans, shopping activities, and financial concerns. One message cautioned her about potential suspicions regarding the source of her money, while another contained inappropriate jokes about shopping and adult responsibilities.
Inappropriate Fast Food Expenditure
The disciplinary panel also uncovered that Mr Towersey had spent approximately £1,000 on fast food deliveries for two other pupils whom he recognized as vulnerable. Using food delivery applications like Just Eat, he provided meals to these students on multiple occasions.
Furthermore, the teacher permitted these pupils to access the school premises during weekends and spent time alone with them. When the children reported feeling hungry and cold, he failed to report these welfare concerns to appropriate authorities—a significant factor in the decision to ban him from teaching.
Professional Conduct Violations
During an internal school investigation in April 2024, Mr Towersey acknowledged that messaging the former pupil exceeded his professional boundaries. He claimed to have forgotten she was a former student and stated he wanted to ensure she had someone to confide in. Regarding the monetary transfers, he described them as a "stupid" decision immediately after offering the funds.
In his written statement to the TRA, the former teacher insisted his motivations were not malicious or sinister. He believed his actions provided a net benefit to one pupil, whom he said showed improved academic performance. However, the panel determined he repeatedly attempted to establish an inappropriate level of familiarity with students that breached professional teacher-pupil relationship boundaries.
Disciplinary Outcome and Consequences
The Teaching Regulation Agency panel concluded on March 3 that Mr Towersey's conduct was clearly unprofessional and highly inappropriate. As a result, he received an indefinite prohibition from teaching in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children's home in England.
While banned from the profession, Mr Towersey retains the right to apply for restoration of his teaching eligibility in the future. This case highlights the strict professional standards expected of educators and the serious consequences for violations involving financial transactions and inappropriate relationships with students.
