LITCHAM TEACHER MATTHEW CHOWN STRUCK OFF OVER SEX COMMENTS
A secondary school teacher who discussed running away with a pupil he had made sexual comments to has been banned indefinitely from the classroom.Matthew Chown, who taught at Litcham School near Dereham, made inappropriate remarks about one girl's skirt length, sent her sexually-inappropriate messages and said he wanted to run away with her.
The 34-year-old also sent "inappropriate" messages to a second child and bought pens "emblazoned with expletives" for other pupils.
A professional conduct panel convened by the Teaching Regulation Authority heard the conduct happened between November 2022 and November 2023.
Chown did not attend and was not represented at the hearing on February 27, but had earlier admitted unacceptable professional conduct.
Chown taught physics at Litcham High, where he had worked since July 2019 and was also a form tutor.
In October 2023, the parents of one girl - referred to as pupil A - sent an email to the school raising concerns about rumours regarding Chown and their daughter.
At first the school believed the rumours were malicious and Chown was given "informal advice".
But the following month, a staff member reported queries from students about appropriate email communication between staff and pupils.
Chown was suspended after reviewing his emails and police involvement.
In one email, he told pupil A: "As you know, I’m renowned for my professional attitude and approach to everything so I would never say something such as you’re by far my favourite student of all time." He also admitted sending the girl messages containing innuendos about a sexual act, asking her about being naked, discussing taking her hostage, and showing favouritism.
The panel noted: "Mr Chown accepted that it was open to the panel to find that his actions were sexually-motivated and/or of a sexual nature and admitted this allegation." He was banned from teaching indefinitely, with the possibility to apply after two years to have the prohibition order lifted.
Chown ceased working at the school on January 10, 2024.
Police later decided no further action would be taken.
