CHRISTOPHER HIRD GROOMED STUDENTS IN HOLDERNESS AND BEVERLEY AND RECEIVES LIFETIME TEACHING BAN

In October 2015, a serious case involving a former science teacher from Holderness and Beverley came to light, highlighting disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct and grooming. Christopher Hird, who served as the head of science at South Holderness Technology College until 2012 and also worked at Longcroft High School in Beverley, has been officially barred from teaching for life following disciplinary proceedings.

Hird, aged 51, was infamously nicknamed “Mr Perv” by students during his tenure at South Holderness Technology College. He faced multiple accusations, including four counts of sexually assaulting pupils aged between 11 and 16. The disciplinary panel, convened by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL), found him guilty of unacceptable conduct, leading to an indefinite ban from the teaching profession.

The hearing revealed that Mr Hird engaged in inappropriate and sexually motivated contact with several female pupils. NCTL official Paul Heathcote expressed his agreement with the panel’s decision, emphasizing that Hird’s misconduct spanned a significant period and involved multiple students. Heathcote stated, “Mr Hird’s behaviour continued over a considerable period of time and involved a number of different pupils.” He further noted that Hird maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings and showed no remorse or insight into the impact of his actions.

Hird did not attend the disciplinary hearing in person. Instead, he submitted a written statement in which he admitted to having a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old woman, referred to as Pupil C for legal reasons. He claimed that the relationship lasted over a year but insisted that it did not start before she was no longer a student. According to Pupil C’s testimony, she approached Hird about maintaining contact after leaving school. She recounted that Hird responded, “it doesn’t have to be like that,” while touching her knee. The two exchanged personal mobile numbers, and shortly afterward, they arranged to meet. Pupil C described their meeting, stating that they “stopped somewhere to kiss passionately.”

In addition to the relationship with Pupil C, the panel found evidence that Mr Hird engaged in “sexually motivated” touching of two other girls, including touching their thighs and cheeks. Despite these findings, the panel acquitted Hird of nearly a dozen other allegations of inappropriate contact due to insufficient evidence. The headteacher of South Holderness Technology College testified that the girls who made unproven allegations were “mature, hard-working” students unlikely to fabricate such claims.

Hird firmly denied all allegations of inappropriate conduct, asserting his innocence. Nonetheless, the panel and authorities concluded that his actions had a serious detrimental effect on the wellbeing of the pupils involved. Paul Heathcote summarized the case by stating, “The underlying incidents giving rise to the allegations were not isolated and involved a number of pupils and events over a period of several years. Mr Hird’s conduct involved an abuse of his position or trust and a violation of the rights of pupils.”

Overall, the disciplinary process underscored the gravity of Hird’s misconduct, leading to his lifelong ban from teaching and a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding in educational environments, especially in the Holderness and Beverley areas.