Private School Teacher Indefinitely Banned for Fabricating Cambridge Degree and Magistrate Role
A head of sixth form at an exclusive private school has been struck off from teaching indefinitely after he was found to have lied about holding a degree from the University of Cambridge, falsified his age, and invented a role as a magistrate. Nicolas Martin, 43, was applying for the deputy headmaster position at St Edward's School in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, when staff uncovered a forged certificate purportedly from the prestigious university.
Discrepancies Uncovered During Application Process
The investigation was triggered by inconsistencies between Martin's application and the school's records, notably a five-year and one-month difference in his date of birth. When confronted, Martin initially suggested that someone had misinterpreted his handwriting, but in subsequent emails, he admitted that the earlier 1982 birth date was incorrect and that he was actually born in 1987.
This admission prompted further scrutiny of his educational background and extracurricular claims. The school contacted Cambridge University, which confirmed that his certificate for a Master's degree in history was a forgery. In reality, Martin had attended Lancaster University. Additionally, the school discovered that he had falsely claimed to serve as a magistrate, a lie verified by HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
False Claims Used to Justify Absences
Martin had utilised the fabricated magistrate role as an excuse for days of absence, alleging he presided over court hearings once a month. He also incorporated post-nominals in his signature, including MA (Cantab) to imply a Cambridge postgraduate degree and JP to denote Justice of the Peace, an alternative title for magistrate.
At a disciplinary hearing in March 2025, Martin confessed to lying about his date of birth and the magistrate position, stating he hoped to appear "younger, more dynamic and more fun." The case was referred to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), which conducted a hearing last month.
Teaching Regulation Agency's Ruling
The TRA panel concluded that Martin demonstrated a "fundamental disregard of fundamental aspects of the education system" and subsequently prohibited him from teaching indefinitely. He is barred from working in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children's home in England for a minimum of two years, after which the decision may be reviewed.
Michelle Chappelle, chair of the TRA panel, remarked that Martin's actions prevented him from being a "suitable role model in supporting pupils." Although the hearing acknowledged he had been a "good teacher" with no prior misconduct, it noted he had not shown "exceptionally high standards or significantly contributing to the education sector."
School's Response and Background
Anna Sandford-Squires, headteacher of St Edward's School, stated, "St Edward’s School is aware of the Teaching Regulation Agency’s decision in relation to a former member of staff. The individual concerned is no longer employed by the school. Once concerns were identified, the school followed its established procedures and referred the matter to the appropriate authorities. We fully supported the process that followed."
She emphasised, "The welfare and education of our pupils is always our highest priority, and we expect the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from all staff."
Martin qualified as a teacher in 2006 and began teaching at St Edward's in September of that year. He was appointed Head of Sixth Form in 2024 and later applied for the deputy head role but was not shortlisted.
St Edward's School charges £24,810 annually for sixth form students and counts award-winning actor Josh O'Connor among its alumni. O'Connor is renowned for portraying Charles, Prince of Wales, in the Netflix series The Crown.
