A geography teacher has been permanently barred from the teaching profession after a disciplinary panel found he engaged in unacceptable conduct by sending money, fast food, and inappropriate messages to both current and former students.
Financial Transfers and Fast Food Expenditure
Roger Towersey, a 37-year-old teacher at Ditton Park Academy in Berkshire, admitted to sending multiple payments totaling £500 to a former pupil via social media between March and April 2024. He also spent approximately £1,000 on fast food deliveries for two other students he described as vulnerable, using delivery apps to provide meals.
Inappropriate Social Media Communications
The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel reviewed evidence showing Mr Towersey exchanged messages with the former pupil on platforms like TikTok. In one exchange, he wrote: "Be careful they will wonder where all the ££ came from. They will think your dealing or doing only fans." Another message stated: "Don’t be getting anything too nice, I don’t want to be responsible for either of you pulling and accidentally getting pregnant. Stay out of Victoria Secret aswell."
He acknowledged in a written statement that these actions constituted unacceptable professional conduct that could bring the teaching profession into disrepute.
School Access and Unsupervised Interactions
Further misconduct involved Mr Towersey allowing two pupils to access the school premises during weekends without proper supervision. He spent time alone with these students and provided snacks when they reported feeling hungry and cold. The panel noted his failure to report these welfare concerns as a significant factor in the decision to ban him.
Internal Investigation and Defence
During an internal school investigation in April 2024, Mr Towersey claimed he "forgot" the recipient was a former student and said his intentions were to ensure she had someone to talk to. He described sending money as a "stupid" decision but insisted his motivations were not nefarious, believing his actions had a net benefit for one pupil's academic performance.
However, the TRA concluded his behavior represented repeated attempts to establish an inappropriate level of familiarity with pupils, undermining professional boundaries.
Indefinite Teaching Ban
On March 3, 2026, Roger Towersey was banned indefinitely from teaching in any school, sixth form college, youth accommodation, or children’s home in England. He retains the right to apply for restoration of his teaching eligibility in the future, but the panel’s decision emphasizes the seriousness of his misconduct.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about professional boundaries in education and the consequences of breaching trust between teachers and students.
