EX-TEACHER OF 20 YEARS AT KENT SCHOOL IS STRUCK OFF AFTER HAVING SEX WITH PUPIL
A former teacher who had taught at a Kent school for nearly 20 years has been struck off after having sex with a pupil.Tom Field, 46, worked at Ursuline College in Westgate-on-Sea in the Thanet district and engaged in sexual activity with a teenager at his home in June 2023.
The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) published its report, banning Mr.
Field from teaching.
The panel stated they were 'particularly concerned' that he propositioned her for sex immediately after she finished her exams.
Mr.
Field dropped off a group of pupils in his car, deliberately leaving the teenager until last, then told her he 'liked to have sex' with her before she exited the vehicle.
The following day, he drove her to his home and they had sex.
He also messaged her seeking to meet outside of school.
Five days later, he took her back to his home, where they engaged in sexual activity again.
The pupil disclosed the second instance of sexual activity on June 30, and confirmed it at her home on July 2.
Mr.
Field admitted to the sexual activity and resigned on July 2, 2023.
The TRA found his behavior indicated a sustained pattern of misconduct, exploiting his trust as a teacher, and lacking genuine remorse, with a potential risk of reoffending.
Mr.
Field is barred from teaching indefinitely and cannot work in any educational or youth facility in England.
This occurred alongside a report on another teacher at Ursuline College, Lee Startup, who was also banned from teaching and convicted of engaging in sexual communication with a child.
An Ofsted safeguarding inspection shortly after the incident found the college's safeguarding measures robust, and the school emphasized its commitment to pupil welfare and professional conduct.
Experts and alumni have expressed concern about the environment that permitted such conduct to happen, calling for further safeguarding action.
