Teacher banned for life for having sex with pupil

Luke Roberts used to teach at the International School of Creative Arts, in Wexham, Buckinghamshire

A teacher at an independent boarding school has been banned from the profession for life after admitting to having sex with a teenage girl.

Luke Roberts, 44, taught at the International School of Creative Arts (ISCA) in Wexham, Buckinghamshire, as a boarding supervisor and a graphic design tutor, from 2017.

A Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) misconduct hearing, said Roberts was convicted of two offences of engaging in sexual activity with a female aged 13-17 between 2018 and 2019 whilst in a position of trust, at Wycombe Magistrates' Court in August 2021.

The panel said that "due to the seriousness of his actions" he would not be able to have his profession restored.

The school, which teaches pupils aged 15-19 years olds, costs about £11,670 a term and specialises in art and design subjects.

The panel said on 10 December 2019, the TRA received a referral from Thames Valley Police that Mr Roberts had been arrested, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A transcript of the court documents showed the incident was investigated following rumours in the school about his conduct.

A search of his electronic devices revealed two videos showing Mr Roberts engaging in sexual activity, including full sexual intercourse.

It noted that the former teacher pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, was "extremely remorseful" and did not have any previous misconduct findings against him.

He was also placed on the sexual offender register for 10 years.

Mr Roberts did not attend the hearing and was not represented.

'Cannot teach in any school'

The panel said his behaviour "could have had an impact on the safety and/or security of pupils" and he had abused "his position of trust over pupils for his own sexual gratification".

The hearing added that his behaviour "could affect public confidence in the teaching profession".

David Oatley, TRA decision maker, said: "The panel finds that the conduct of Mr Roberts fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession.

"Mr Roberts is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England."

Mr Roberts has the right to appeal at the High Court.