A former teacher at a specialist school for autism has been struck off after she was found to have run an explicit OnlyFans account while employed.
Explicit Online Activity Uncovered
Leanne Wilson, who had taught at Holbrook School for Autism since April 2015, created an account on the subscription platform OnlyFans under the alias "Sophie Palmer". On the account, she advertised sexually explicit services to paying subscribers.
These services reportedly included offering to rate subscribers' penis sizes, sending them her underwear, and providing the "ability to control her vibrator remotely". Wilson uploaded explicit photographs and videos and engaged in sexual interactions with subscribers through the platform.
Discovery and Suspension
The activity came to light in May 2023 when a member of school staff discovered her linked Instagram profile, took screenshots, and reported it to the HR department. Staff members identified the woman in the images as Miss Wilson.
The school, part of the Esteem Multi-Academy Trust, acted swiftly. Wilson was suspended the following day pending a full investigation. A spokesperson for Esteem MAT confirmed the school's "extremely high standards" and stated they acted promptly upon learning of the concerns.
Disciplinary Panel Findings
During the subsequent hearing, Wilson admitted setting up the account and accepted that her actions had brought the teaching profession into disrepute. She claimed to the disciplinary panel that she had shared images "in a manner that did not show her face or make her immediately recognisable" and stated she had stopped using the account actively in October 2022.
However, the panel found evidence contradicting her claims. While some images only showed clothing, two photographs included part of Wilson's face, making her identifiable. The panel concluded she had breached multiple professional standards, including failing to uphold public trust and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour.
The report noted: "The panel considered that Ms Wilson’s actions fell significantly short of the requirement to maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour and that she acted without professional regard to the policies of the School." It added there was no evidence students or parents had seen the accounts.
Outcome and Referral
Following the school's investigation, Wilson was dismissed in July 2023. The case was then referred to the Teacher Regulation Authority for a full hearing, which resulted in her being prohibited from teaching.
The panel's decision underscores the stringent expectations placed upon educators regarding their conduct both inside and outside the classroom, particularly when such actions could damage the reputation of the profession.
