Teacher struck off after having sex with ex-pupil

Mr Thomas Sherlock was a teacher at Ormiston SWB Academy

A teacher has been banned indefinitely from the profession after having sex with a former pupil.

Thomas Sherlock, 29, worked at Ormiston SWB Academy, Bilston, Wolverhampton, as the head of geography between 2018 and 2022.

The panel of the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) heard from a school investigation that Mr Sherlock exchanged "flirty" messages with the former pupil via WhatsApp, email and iMessage in September 2021.

Soon after, the pair engaged in a sexual relationship for about four months which saw Mr Sherlock pick up and drop off the girl at his house.

Pupil A submitted that she had initiated communication by emailing Mr Sherlock before he gave her his personal email to talk further.

The panel noted that Pupil A was a "vulnerable pupil" and "Mr Sherlock’s actions put her in a position where he was not safeguarding her wellbeing effectively".

A school investigation heard that Pupil A said she felt guilty she had "ruined his career, and the relationship fizzled out".

'Disintegration of beloved career'

Mr Sherlock, who resigned from the school in July 2022, admitted that he had sex with Pupil A on more than one occasion.

He said that he "never intentionally, or unintentionally, set out to cause harm" and "only acted in response to Pupil A's approach".

He added that the investigation had caused a "disintegration of his beloved career, in which he had worked hard for years, and significant emotional scarring".

Mr Sherlock submitted that he accepted his mistakes and looked to "rehabilitate, rebuild and move on a different path with his life".

A spokesperson from Ormiston SWB Academy said that it followed "robust safeguarding and reporting processes, which led to the immediate suspension of the individual".

“His behaviour was entirely unacceptable and out of line with the high standards and duty of care we uphold to ensure our students are kept safe," the academy added.

The panel concluded that Mr Sherlock had not shown "considerable insight or remorse" and he had not reflected on how his actions may have impacted Pupil A.

The indefinite ban means that Mr Sherlock cannot teach in any school, sixth-form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England.

He is not entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach.