Teacher banned for having relationship with pupil

Martin Gibson taught at The Grammar School at Leeds

A teacher has been struck off after admitting having a sexual relationship with a pupil which he kept secret for almost two decades.

Martin Gibson, who worked at The Grammar School at Leeds, entered into the relationship with a female pupil in 2003 while he was employed at Bancroft's School in east London.

The 44-year-old admitted to the relationship in October 2022, saying in a letter to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) he was "expecting someone to come knocking".

He will not be allowed to appeal against his ban from the profession.

'Clearly inappropriate'

Gibson had been employed as head of classics at the school in Leeds when the relationship came to light. He was dismissed by the school in November 2022.

The hearing on 3 September was told he kissed the pupil, met her outside of school and engaged in sexual contact with her. They also went on holiday together in 2005.

Their relationship started after Gibson began teaching the pupil.

He admitted he left Bancroft's to end the relationship but told his next employer, Worksop College, his decision to leave was to be closer to his family and take on a job with more responsibilities.

In a letter to the TRA, Gibson said he "did not have the courage to end the relationship and felt that this was a solution".

However, the hearing was told he maintained contact with the student even after he found a new job.

He also failed to disclose their relationship when he joined The Grammar School at Leeds in 2010.

The panel said it was "clear" Gibson "knew that his actions were inappropriate at the time and that there would be consequences if he disclosed them".

They also concluded there was "no evidence that Mr Gibson considered the impact on [the pupil] of his actions".

Making a ruling on behalf of the secretary of state for education, TRA decision-maker Marc Cavey agreed with the panel's recommendation to permanently ban Gibson from teaching with no opportunity to appeal.

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