Wakefield teacher banned after sex offences conviction

Jonathan Adamson, a former teacher, was convicted in 2021

A teacher convicted of sex offences has been banned from the profession indefinitely.

Jonathan Adamson, 35, was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2021 after being found guilty of sexual activity with a teenage girl.

A Teaching Regulation Authority (TRA) panel also heard he had spat at a pupil and thrown an object at them while employed as a teacher at Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield.

Adamson was found guilty of misconduct.

During the hearing on 2 October, the TRA panel was told Adamson had been convicted at Leeds Crown Court of one or more counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16.

It had also been alleged that while employed at Kettlethorpe High School, he spat at a pupil and threw an object at them during a lesson in 2017/2018.

Adamson, formerly of Lockley Crescent, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, admitted the allegations in full ahead of the hearing.

The TRA report states: "He also admitted that his behaviour amounted to unacceptable professional conduct, conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute and the conviction of a relevant offence."

Adamson began working at the school as director of communications for English in January 2018.

Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield where Adamson worked until 2019

He was dismissed following a disciplinary hearing in April 2019.

The TRA panel found his actions had amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute.

The panel said Adamson's actions had been "calculated and motivated" and there had been "limited evidence of regret, remorse or insight" from Adamson.

It found that there was "some evidence" that he had demonstrated high standards in his usual professional conduct or contributed significantly to the education sector.

Adamson, who was not present at the panel hearing, was banned from teaching indefinitely and cannot apply for the prohibition order to be lifted.

Wakefield Council, on behalf of Kettlethorpe High School, said Adamson's sex offences did not relate to the school.

Corporate director for children and young people, Vicky Schofield, said safeguarding procedures were enacted as soon as the allegations came to light.

Ms Schofield added: "We welcome the decision for Jonathan Adamson to be struck off the teaching register.

"Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by his criminal actions."