HOWARD BRITTON SHOCKS LINTON-ON-OUSE WITH SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP AT QUEEN ETHELBURGA SCHOOL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the North Yorkshire community, Howard Britton, a former teacher at the prestigious Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate located near Linton-on-Ouse, has been officially banned from teaching following allegations of engaging in a sexual relationship with a student.

According to findings from a professional conduct panel, Britton, who was employed as an economics teacher at the school from September 2001 until August 2005, was involved in inappropriate conduct with a pupil identified only as Pupil A. The misconduct took place between January and June of 2005, during which time the relationship reportedly escalated from flirtatious exchanges to sexual intimacy.

The panel, convened by the National College for Teaching and Leadership, revealed that the relationship began after Britton started exchanging flirtatious text messages with the student. It was further disclosed that Britton, now aged 64, accepted the pupil’s phone number and engaged in a series of flirtatious and sexual communications during the academic year. Evidence presented indicated that Britton discussed the possibility of meeting outside of school hours, held hands with the student under a desk during class, and even extended an invitation for her to visit his home.

One of the most troubling revelations was that on the day of her final school examination, Britton kissed the then 18-year-old pupil at his residence. Following her departure from the school, the pair reportedly engaged in sexual activity on at least three separate occasions. Britton claimed during the hearing that his initial response to her messages was intended to “frighten her off,” as he believed she was pursuing a campaign of sexual harassment against him. He also argued that he was acting under duress, feeling trapped by Pupil A’s persistent actions. However, the panel did not accept this explanation, emphasizing that his behavior was inappropriate and a clear abuse of his position of trust.

It was noted that Britton ceased teaching after the relationship ended, citing his own feelings of “disgust” at his conduct. He maintained that Pupil A had already left the school by the time their sexual relationship began, but the panel found evidence that the relationship had indeed developed while she was still a student.

Britton admitted to most of the allegations but insisted that his communications with the girl were not sexually motivated. Despite his defense, the panel decided to impose an indefinite ban on his ability to teach, citing concerns that other students could be at risk of similar behavior in the future.

The panel concluded that Britton failed to recognize the imbalance of power in his relationship with Pupil A. They stated, “Dr Britton failed to understand the relationship between them was not one of equals and he abused his position of trust by entering into flirtatious text messages with Pupil A while still a pupil at the school, and ultimately by having sexual intercourse with her shortly after her final exam at the school.” This case underscores the importance of safeguarding and the strict boundaries that educators must uphold to protect students from exploitation and harm.