FORMER TEACHER BANNED AFTER SENDING 'SEXUALLY MOTIVATED' MESSAGES TO PUPILS
A Teaching Regulation Agency conduct panel last month heard that allegations about Burney’s behaviour came to light, after the school prom.He admitted that he had exchanged “informal and/or inappropriate” emails with three pupils, but denied that his behaviour was “sexually motivated”.
The panel concluded that messages sent by Burney were “not inherently sexual in nature” but were “persistent” and suggested a “high level of intimacy”.
They rejected his repeated claims that he had a “friend-like” relationship with pupils, and said in their report: “Given the teacher–pupil dynamic, the informality of messaging and the overfamiliarity with pupils who were known to be vulnerable, it could draw the inference that Mr Burney’s behaviour was done in the pursuit of a future sexual relationship”.
On one Saturday, Burney exchanged more than 200 emails with one of the pupils, part of a “relentless volume” of messages.
He also messaged one of the pupils on WhatsApp and Instagram, while he told another that he had found her Instagram account.
Even after he was suspended by the school, Burney messaged one of the pupils despite being told not to contact any pupils.
The panel found his actions to be “calculated and motivated”, and that he “did not appear to acknowledge the impact of his conduct upon the pupils … who were all vulnerable teenagers”, despite showing “some remorse”.
All three pupils had to have special arrangements for their examinations “due to the detrimental impact” of Burney’s actions.
The case was referred to the police and the LADO as per the school’s safeguarding policy.
Following an investigation his employment was terminated, and he has been banned from teaching at schools and sixth form colleges.
The panel’s report said his misconduct was “serious” and “fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession”.
It said banning him from teaching would prevent future safeguarding risk and “protect children”.
But while Burney has been barred from teaching, King's College London declined to comment on whether he has taught or will be allowed to teach at the university.
Earlier this month, Burney was awarded from the university for being an “outstanding student”.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he completed his teaching qualification, undergraduate, and Master’s degrees at King’s College London.
The university stated this was recently brought to their attention and they are considering the matter.
As a PhD student funded by the LISS Doctoral Training Partnership, he receives a stipend of over £21,000 annually and a grant for tuition fees.
His research focuses on changes of leadership in social movements, particularly the Nation of Islam.
The school in Bushey said they are committed to providing a safe environment, and after concerns were raised, Burney was suspended and later fired, with police and safeguarding authorities involved.
The school acted swiftly and offered support to those affected.
