Former Deputy Head Banned From Teaching Over Ex-Pupil Relationship

A former deputy head at Leicester Grammar School in Great Glen has been banned from teaching for at least two years after having a relationship with an ex- pupil.

The Teaching Regulation Agency ruled James Rich’s behaviour amounted to unacceptable professional conduct.

A panel found he had favoured the female pupil over classmates and started a sexual relationship with her in 2017, after she left the private school and was aged over 18.

Rich was dismissed in September 2018 after initially being suspended when concerns had been raised.

Leicester Grammar School

The panel found allegations he failed to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with the girl – known as Pupil A – by sharing details of his private life and giving her excessive praise, proven.

Despite denials from Mr Rich, the panel also found evidence from friends of Pupil A, particularly in the form of messages discussing the relationship, also showed a sexual relationship had begun in the summer of 2017, after she left.

But it also said further allegations, that his behaviour at school was sexually-motivated, were not proven.

In its ruling, the panel said: “Whilst the panel considered Mr Rich’s conduct to be sufficiently serious to require prohibition, the panel noted that Pupil A was over the age of 18 when the relationship became sexual, and that the relationship appeared to be consensual.

“The panel did not consider there was a particular risk of repetition – but found that Mr Rich had not yet developed appropriate insight as to the potential consequences of his actions.”

Mr Rich was not present at the hearing nor was he represented.

In a statement Leicester Grammar School said: “Mr Rich was acting head when a concern was raised in September 2018 and he was immediately suspended.

“The school alerted the relevant authorities, and he was dismissed following a disciplinary hearing on the grounds of professional misconduct and referred to the Teaching Regulation Agency.

“Pupils’ safety is our overriding priority, and much has been done, both nationally and in our own schools, to reinforce further the safeguarding measures in place.

“The Trust is meticulous in ensuring that all who are in a position of trust fully understand expectations not only of their own conduct but also of raising low-level concerns relating to others.”