Sex in school teaching pair could face classroom ban

Two teachers who had sex in school could face a classroom ban after a watchdog ruled they acted unprofessionally.

Head teacher Graham Daniels and his deputy Bethan Thomas resigned from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe in Swansea last year after a video clip of "sex noises" appearing to come from Mr Daniels' office was posted on YouTube by a pupil.

The 34 second clip, recorded from the other side of the headteacher's locked door, later went viral.

At an Education Workforce Council (EWC) hearing, both Mr Daniels and Miss Thomas - formerly Mrs Bale - admitted to taking part in sexual acts on school premises over an 11-month period between May 2013 and April 2014.

EWC chairwoman Jacquie Turnbull said both teachers' behaviour fell short of the standards expected of them.

She said: "Both breached key principles of the GTCW (General Teaching Council of Wales) code of conduct."

Among the allegations found proven included the couple taking part in a "sexual act" in the headmaster's office, which was "recorded by a pupil and ... uploaded to social media sites".

Case presenter Louise Price said both registrants were fully aware of their behaviour and their "deliberate actions" took place over a prolonged period of time.

She said: "They knew what they were doing was wrong ... and there is the question of how their behaviour would have continued had they not been discovered (in the headmaster's office).

"They acted recklessly and without regard for others."

In mitigation, union representative Tim Glover of ASCL said Mr Daniels and Miss Thomas were deeply ashamed of what they had done and were still highly regarded in the teaching profession.

He said: "They both played a significant role in the success of the school ... Ysgol Bryn Tawe was regarded as outstanding by inspectors and became one of the best schools in Swansea in terms of exam results.

"They both have a great deal to offer in two highly sought after subjects of maths and science.

Mr Glover also argued both registrants had "acted honourably" by resigning from their posts and also showed "true insight and remorse".

The hearing was told Mr Daniels was working as a supply teacher while Miss Thomas was teaching Chemistry A level - and their current employers provided "positive references" and were fully aware of the proceedings against both teachers.

The EWC panel have now retired to consider what sanction to impose on Mr Daniels and Miss Thomas.

Options available to them include a formal reprimand, suspension or even striking their names from the teaching register altogether.