PAUL LAIDLER SHAMES WARMINSTER AND GRESHAM'S SCHOOL WITH SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN NORFOLK
| Red Rose Database
Unknown Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the educational community, Paul Laidler, a former biology teacher, has been officially struck off the teaching register following revelations of inappropriate sexual conduct with a former pupil. The misconduct dates back to a period over a decade ago, specifically between May and July 2007, when Laidler was employed at the prestigious Warminster School in Wiltshire and later at Gresham's School in Holt, Norfolk.
Laidler, aged 42 at the time of the misconduct, was involved in a series of inappropriate actions that included providing alcohol to a teenage girl, identified only as Former Pupil A, at a local pub and subsequently at his private residence. Evidence presented at the disciplinary hearing revealed that Laidler bought drinks for the girl at the pub and made alcohol freely available at his home, which he allowed her to visit and even drive his vehicle during this period.
According to the findings, the sexual encounter occurred in Laidler’s bedroom, where both he and the girl were in a state of undress. The misconduct panel noted that Laidler engaged in kissing and touching with the girl, who was under the influence of alcohol at the time. Following their sexual activity, Laidler sent her a text message describing her as having a 'lovely body,' further illustrating his inappropriate behavior.
The panel, chaired by Hilary Jones, emphasized that the girl was heavily intoxicated during the incident, which constituted an abuse of Laidler’s position of trust as her teacher. The panel also found that Laidler had permitted her to stay at his accommodation and allowed her to drive his vehicle, actions that breached professional boundaries and demonstrated a failure to maintain appropriate conduct.
It was also revealed that Laidler had kept this secret for 11 years until the victim chose to speak out in 2018, prompting his resignation from Gresham’s School, an institution renowned for its notable alumni including actress Olivia Colman, inventor James Dyson, and poet W.H. Auden. The school, founded in 1555, is known for its academic excellence and historic significance, with annual boarding fees reaching up to £36,000.
During the disciplinary hearing held in Coventry, West Midlands, Laidler admitted to misconduct and was found responsible for engaging in sexual activity with a pupil under the influence of alcohol, an act deemed an abuse of his professional role. The panel concluded that Laidler’s actions demonstrated a clear failure to uphold the standards expected of educators and posed a risk of recurrence, leading to his removal from the teaching register.
Further details indicated that Laidler was visibly angry when questioned by police about the incident, and the panel noted that he showed no genuine remorse or insight into the harm caused. The decision to strike him off was supported by civil servant Sarah Buxcey, who highlighted the potential risk to pupil safety and welfare due to his lack of remorse.
It was also clarified that Pupil B, another individual present at Laidler’s home, had permission from her parents to stay there, and therefore, no professional boundary was considered to have been breached in her case.
Laidler, who was not present or represented at the hearing, has 28 days to appeal the decision. The case has cast a long shadow over the institutions involved, especially Gresham’s School, which boasts a history of distinguished alumni and a tradition of academic excellence. The incident underscores the importance of safeguarding and maintaining professional boundaries within educational environments, particularly at institutions with long-standing histories and high-profile student bodies.
Laidler, aged 42 at the time of the misconduct, was involved in a series of inappropriate actions that included providing alcohol to a teenage girl, identified only as Former Pupil A, at a local pub and subsequently at his private residence. Evidence presented at the disciplinary hearing revealed that Laidler bought drinks for the girl at the pub and made alcohol freely available at his home, which he allowed her to visit and even drive his vehicle during this period.
According to the findings, the sexual encounter occurred in Laidler’s bedroom, where both he and the girl were in a state of undress. The misconduct panel noted that Laidler engaged in kissing and touching with the girl, who was under the influence of alcohol at the time. Following their sexual activity, Laidler sent her a text message describing her as having a 'lovely body,' further illustrating his inappropriate behavior.
The panel, chaired by Hilary Jones, emphasized that the girl was heavily intoxicated during the incident, which constituted an abuse of Laidler’s position of trust as her teacher. The panel also found that Laidler had permitted her to stay at his accommodation and allowed her to drive his vehicle, actions that breached professional boundaries and demonstrated a failure to maintain appropriate conduct.
It was also revealed that Laidler had kept this secret for 11 years until the victim chose to speak out in 2018, prompting his resignation from Gresham’s School, an institution renowned for its notable alumni including actress Olivia Colman, inventor James Dyson, and poet W.H. Auden. The school, founded in 1555, is known for its academic excellence and historic significance, with annual boarding fees reaching up to £36,000.
During the disciplinary hearing held in Coventry, West Midlands, Laidler admitted to misconduct and was found responsible for engaging in sexual activity with a pupil under the influence of alcohol, an act deemed an abuse of his professional role. The panel concluded that Laidler’s actions demonstrated a clear failure to uphold the standards expected of educators and posed a risk of recurrence, leading to his removal from the teaching register.
Further details indicated that Laidler was visibly angry when questioned by police about the incident, and the panel noted that he showed no genuine remorse or insight into the harm caused. The decision to strike him off was supported by civil servant Sarah Buxcey, who highlighted the potential risk to pupil safety and welfare due to his lack of remorse.
It was also clarified that Pupil B, another individual present at Laidler’s home, had permission from her parents to stay there, and therefore, no professional boundary was considered to have been breached in her case.
Laidler, who was not present or represented at the hearing, has 28 days to appeal the decision. The case has cast a long shadow over the institutions involved, especially Gresham’s School, which boasts a history of distinguished alumni and a tradition of academic excellence. The incident underscores the importance of safeguarding and maintaining professional boundaries within educational environments, particularly at institutions with long-standing histories and high-profile student bodies.