Teacher banned over inappropriate conduct

A panel found that Gareth Llewellyn sent "over-familiar" messages with several students via email and WhatsApp (stock image)

A teacher has been banned from teaching indefinitely after a disciplinary panel found he engaged in sexually motivated and inappropriate conduct with multiple students over a two-year period.

Gareth Llewellyn, formerly employed at Sidney Stringer Academy in Coventry, was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.

A Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel found that his behaviour included "over-familiar" communications with several students via email and WhatsApp.

Allegations that he carried out unauthorised meetings with students during the school holidays were also proven.

The hearing heard that he was first employed with the school in January 2020 as a business teacher and form tutor.

The misconduct spanned from September 2021 until his suspension in May 2023.

The panel heard evidence that Mr Llewellyn hugged a student, known as Student E, on more than one occasion, as well as making inappropriate comments about their appearance and body.

In one message to her, he wrote: "You are an amazing young lady."

The panel said there were suggestions he was trying to pursue future sexual relationships with Student E and another student, known as Student B.

The school referred him to the TRA in November that year after carrying out an internal investigation.

A report said the 54-year-old was not present or represented at the hearing, which took place in September virtually.

'Gross abuse of trust'

It was also proven that he went shopping with two other students, known as Student H and Student D, and purchased items for them.

The panel described his behaviour as a "gross abuse of trust", particularly given the vulnerability of some students involved.

In his interviews, Mr Llewellyn claimed his actions were "paternal" and "supportive", but the panel rejected this.

They said his comments lacked "insight" and "remorse".

The Secretary of State for Education accepted the panel's recommendation to impose a prohibition order with no review period, meaning Mr Llewellyn cannot teach again in England and cannot apply for reinstatement.

Marc Cavey, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State, said: "In my judgement, the lack of evidence of full insight and remorse on Mr Llewellyn's part means that there is some risk of the repetition of this behaviour.

"I consider, therefore, that allowing for no review period is necessary to maintain public confidence and is proportionate and in the public interest."

Mr Llewellyn has the right to appeal the decision to the High Court within 28 days, but the prohibition order takes immediate effect.