GRAHAM COYLE FROM WORCESTER BANNED FOR LIFE AFTER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS AT THE RIVER SCHOOL

Graham Coyle, a long-standing educator at The River School in Worcester, has been permanently barred from teaching following serious misconduct allegations. Coyle, who dedicated over three decades of his career to the school, was found to have engaged in behavior that was deemed 'sexually motivated' during the period between 2009 and 2014. Although he did not physically assault the student involved, the nature of his misconduct was characterized by inappropriate conversations and discussions that created an unsettling 'air of fantasy.'

Specifically, Coyle spoke openly about his own sexual experiences and speculated about what sex might be like with a partner, when the student was still under his tutelage. These conversations were considered highly inappropriate and crossed professional boundaries, leading to a formal misconduct finding against him.

The disciplinary decision was made by Sarah Buxcey, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State. The ruling explicitly states that Coyle is prohibited from teaching in any educational institution, youth accommodation, or children’s home within England. Furthermore, he is not permitted to reapply for reinstatement of his teaching credentials in the future. This lifetime ban underscores the severity of his misconduct and the importance placed on safeguarding children in educational settings.

The former headteacher of The River School expressed their shock and disappointment upon learning of the findings. They reaffirmed the school's unwavering commitment to safeguarding and the well-being of all pupils. The school has stated that it is working closely with authorities to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future and has emphasized its robust safeguarding policies to protect students from harm.