In 2023, five teachers from across the West Midlands were banned from the classroom after serious allegations of inappropriate conduct towards pupils were upheld by misconduct panels. These cases, investigated and adjudicated by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), highlight the range of unacceptable behaviours that led to permanent or indefinite teaching bans.
Dale Millar-Evans, a PE teacher at Bells Farm Primary School in Birmingham, was found guilty of sending sexual text messages to undercover police officers posing as 13-year-old girls. Despite knowing their ages, Millar-Evans continued sending flirtatious messages, calling one “babe” and asking explicit questions. The TRA panel concluded he sought sexual gratification through his messages, resulting in an indefinite ban from teaching. He resigned in early 2024 after the school’s investigation began.
Georgia Lowe, a trainee teacher at Kingsmead School in Hednesford, was banned after sending explicit photos of herself in underwear to a 15-year-old pupil. Despite being suspended, she continued inappropriate communication with the boy via late-night, flirtatious emails. The TRA found her actions grossly breached teaching standards, leading to a permanent prohibition on her teaching.
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Nano Opong, previously head of computer science at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, was banned indefinitely after making repeatedly inappropriate comments to a pupil. He also threatened the pupil to prevent her from reporting the incidents and refused to delete personal photos sent by the student. Opong admitted unprofessional conduct, and although police took no further action, the TRA concluded his behaviour was unacceptable and imposed a long-term teaching ban.
Christopher Small, a teacher at Nicholas Chamberlaine Secondary School in Warwickshire, was banned after a school trip where he displayed drunken and erratic behaviour while responsible for students. Witnesses described him speaking with slurred speech, barricading himself in rooms, and acting out of control. Additionally, it was uncovered he fabricated information about a drink-driving conviction when applying for a college job. Small’s prior record was positive, but these incidents led to his ban.
Michael Clark, a teacher at Lyng Hall School in Coventry, received an indefinite ban following multiple allegations including making lewd jokes about a pupil’s mother, inappropriate physical contact described as playfighting, and using vulgar language openly in front of students. He was also reported to have fallen asleep during lessons and displayed a concerning lack of professional boundaries. The school acted swiftly on complaints, leading to his dismissal and referral to the TRA.
These cases underscore the rigorous measures in place to protect pupils and uphold the integrity of the teaching profession in the West Midlands. The TRA remains vigilant to ensure only those fit to teach remain in classrooms.