Former Hampshire music teacher banned for life after 'sexual relations with children'
“Thomas’ conduct was wholly unacceptable in a teacher,” the panel concluded.
A former Hampshire teacher has been banned from teaching for life after multiple sexual incident with schoolchildren, a professional conduct panel ruled.
James Thomas, who previously worked at Bedales School in Petersfield, was permanently banned from teaching in England after a Teaching Regulation Agency hearing last month.
Thomas worked at three schools between 2010 and 2019 - Bedales, Bishop Luffa School in Chichester and Shrewsbury House School in Surrey, working in the music department of all three. The panel said it found the evidence of both former pupils to be "clear, credible and compelling" and found all of the allegations proven on the balance of probabilities.
According to the report, this included flirting with a pupil at Bedales School and telling her “let’s wait and see” after saying that she fancied him; kissing and groping a student while at Bishop Luffa School; and engaging in sexual activity with a child while at Shrewsbury House School.
The schoolchildren involved have a life-long right to anonymity. Two came forward as witnesses, giving evidence to the panel.
It concluded that Thomas's behaviour amounted to unacceptable professional conduct, and prohibited him indefinitely from teaching in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England.
He also cannot apply to have his eligibility to teach restored.
The panel said the findings showed a pattern of inappropriate behaviour towards young people over several years. It also noted that there was no evidence before the hearing of remorse, insight, reflection or an apology from Thomas.
In their report, the panel said: “Thomas’ conduct was wholly unacceptable in a teacher and represented serious sexual misconduct undertaken for his own sexual gratification and for the development of sexual or sexualised relationships with pupils who were children.
“In light of the seriousness of the conduct, Thomas’ motivations and that his misconduct included a pattern of developing inappropriate relationships, including sexualised and sexual relations with children, the panel had very serious concerns for pupils who may come into contact with him.”
Thomas had previously been interviewed by police about the reports, which resulted in no further action being taken. But the professional conduct hearing applied the civil standard of proof, known as the balance of probabilities.
Thomas has the right to appeal to the High Court within 28 days of being given notice of the prohibition order.