A teacher at Ursuline College in Westgate-on-Sea has been removed from his position for engaging in sexual activity with a student. Tom Field, who taught at the school for nearly 20 years, admitted to having a sexual relationship with a schoolgirl immediately after her final exam.
During a hearing by the Teacher Regulation Agency, it was revealed that the 46-year-old teacher dropped off some pupils at various locations but kept the student in question until last, where he expressed his desire to have sex with her. The student later disclosed that although she did not verbally refuse, she felt the situation was inappropriate.
On another occasion, Mr. Field arranged to meet the student again, picking her up near her home under false pretenses, claiming to be sick from work. They went to his house to watch a movie, leading to further sexual encounters. When the student confided in a staff member, Mr. Field admitted to the inappropriate relationship and resigned from his position promptly.
The panel reviewing the case determined that Mr. Field’s actions were driven by sexual motives and constituted a severe breach of his responsibilities as a teacher. They highlighted his lack of remorse and understanding of the consequences of his behavior. Additionally, it was noted that Mr. Field had taken students to a pub without proper authorization or safety measures in place, showcasing a disregard for professional boundaries and duty of care.
Despite expressing regret for his actions, authorities questioned Mr. Field’s sincerity, citing an attempt to shift blame onto the student. The panel concluded that this behavior demonstrated a lack of comprehension regarding the gravity of the situation.
The school’s headteacher, Danielle Lancefield, emphasized the institution’s commitment to safeguarding pupils and promptly suspending Mr. Field upon learning of the misconduct. She reiterated the school’s adherence to rigorous recruitment protocols and ongoing cooperation with regulatory authorities.
In a statement to The Mirror, Lancefield underscored the school’s dedication to upholding high standards of professional conduct and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. The school’s proactive approach to safeguarding was recognized by Ofsted during their inspection, affirming the robust policies and compliance with statutory requirements concerning staff recruitment and supervision.