Sheffield teacher struck off after admitting taking heroin

Neil Hansford taught maths at the school, joining the staff in April 2022

A newly qualified teacher has been banned from the profession for taking heroin.

Neil Hansford, who taught maths at High Storrs School, in Sheffield, admitted using the Class A drug on one or more occasions between April and June 2022.

The 45-year-old "acted secretly" and used "concerning" methods to source heroin from the dark web, a misconduct hearing panel said.

Sheffield City Council has been approached for comment.

The panel heard Mr Hansford's drug taking came to light in June 2022, after his partner contacted the school.

The hearing was told he had been dealing with "personal challenges" at the time.

In a report of the proceedings the panel said: "Whilst there was no evidence that Mr Hansford used drugs at the school or that he was ever under the influence of drugs whilst in the presence of pupils, Mr Hansford's actions were illegal.

"Accordingly, whilst the use of heroin may have taken place outside the education setting, it was directly relevant to the way he fulfilled his teaching role."

The hearing was told Mr Hansford had taken steps to address his drug problem but admitted he enjoyed taking heroin and "was still on a journey toward rehabilitation".

The panel said they believed his actions might be repeated if he was allowed to continue teaching.

Mr Hansford, who did not attend the hearing, apologised for his actions.

He denied they amounted to unacceptable professional conduct or conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute but was permanently struck off.

The panel said his insight into his wrongdoing was "limited" and he did not fully recognise the "inappropriate nature" of his behaviour.

Mr Hansford can appeal the ban from October 2027.

Deciding on behalf of the Secretary of State, David Oatley, disagreed with the panel's recommendation that he should not be allowed to challenge the order.

Mr Oatley said a review period of four years would allow Mr Hansford time "to develop full insight and to demonstrate full rehabilitation."