TEACHER BANNED FROM PROFESSION INDEFINITELY
The TRA panel reviewed the allegations outlined in the hearing notice dated 24 June 2025, which were later amended during the proceedings following the panel's approval of the TRA’s request to modify allegation 1.It was claimed that Ms.
Christine Bourne engaged in unacceptable professional conduct and/or conduct likely to damage the reputation of her profession while working as a music teacher employed by Surrey County Council: 1.
Between approximately 2012 and 2017, she allegedly maintained a sexual relationship with a former pupil, referred to as Pupil A.
2.
Around 22 April 2017, she reportedly shared private sexual photographs related to Pupil A with Pupil A’s partner, intending to cause distress.
3.
On 6 September 2017, she reportedly accepted a police caution concerning her actions described in paragraph 2.
4.
Her conduct described in paragraph 1 was of a sexual nature.
In her response to the hearing notice, Ms.
Bourne denied allegations 1 and 4.
She admitted to sending the photographs, which was perceived as acknowledgment of allegation 2.
It was uncertain whether she accepted or denied allegation 3.
At the first day of the hearing, Ms.
Bourne clarified that she admitted to allegations 1 and 4 but only regarding the period from December 2015 to 2017, asserting that during this time the relationship was consensual.
Because this admission did not cover the entire period specified in allegations 1 and 4, the panel interpreted her statement as a denial of the facts presented.
The panel therefore considered allegations 1 and 4 as denied.
Ms.
Bourne admitted allegation 3 but continued to deny allegation 2.
In her response to the notice, Ms.
Bourne acknowledged that sending the photographs constituted unacceptable professional conduct and/or conduct risking damage to the profession’s reputation, which the panel regarded as an admission regarding allegation 2.
It remained unclear whether she admitted or denied unacceptable professional conduct and/or conduct that could bring the profession into disrepute in relation to allegation 3, and thus this aspect was regarded as not admitted.
Bourne was banned from teaching indefinitely
