FARNBOROUGH TEACHER REMOVED FROM PROFESSION AFTER SLAPPING PUPIL
The teacher has admitted that on February 5, 2024, he engaged in inappropriate contact with a student when he hit a pupil.For this incident he accepted a conditional caution later that month.
The Teaching Regulation panel heard that Mr Aquilina slapped a pupil in the face during a lesson, prompting a school investigation.
After a disciplinary hearing on May 14, 2024, Mr Aquilina was dismissed from his employment.
The student explained that he was laughing at a fellow pupil when Mr Aquilina approached and slapped him on the cheek.
A third pupil stated that Mr Aquilina then used his open hand to hard slap the student across the left cheek, which could be heard loudly from where they sat.
A total of eight pupils provided written statements.
Following the investigation, Mr Aquilina admitted the facts and that his actions amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute.
The panel issued a four-year review order, prohibiting him from teaching in any school, sixth form college, youth accommodation, or children's home in England.
He may apply to have this prohibition set aside after September 20, 2029, but it is not automatic.
Mr Aquilina also expressed remorse and showed some remorse, with the possibility to apply for removal of the order in the future.
