INDERJIT SINGH BRADFORD TEACHER BANNED FOR SEXUALLY MOTIVATED KISSING AND HUGGING STUDENTS AT GRANGE TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE
In December 2018, a serious misconduct case involving a teacher from Bradford came to light, leading to his indefinite removal from the teaching profession.Inderjit Singh, aged 43, who was employed as a mathematics teacher at Grange Technology College located in Little Horton, was found to have engaged in inappropriate and sexually motivated physical contact with students during a period spanning from November 2016 to March 2017.
Singh’s actions came under scrutiny during a hearing conducted by the Teaching Regulation Agency.
The investigation revealed that he had kissed and hugged three students in a manner deemed inappropriate and suggestive of sexual intent.
Specifically, he was found to have kissed and hugged two students, while a third student was only hugged.
Singh, who did not attend the hearing himself, denied all allegations made against him.
The panel overseeing the case heard distressing testimony, including that one of the female students involved had blamed herself for Singh’s conduct.
She expressed concern about how reporting the incident might affect her reputation and how she would be perceived by others.
The panel concluded that it was more likely than not that Singh’s motivation behind the physical contact was sexual in nature.
An allegation that Singh squeezed the hand of a third girl was proven, but this act was not deemed to be sexual.
The misconduct was characterized by the panel as being of a serious nature, falling significantly below the professional standards expected of teachers.
It was described as unacceptable conduct that could potentially damage the reputation of the teaching profession.
Despite the misconduct, it was acknowledged that Singh had previously been regarded as a competent and highly professional mathematics teacher before these incidents occurred.
As a result of the findings, Singh was issued with a prohibition order, which effectively bans him from teaching indefinitely.
The order includes a review period of three years, during which his case will be reassessed.
The panel emphasized the gravity of the misconduct, particularly noting the sexual nature of some of Singh’s actions and his repeated failure to recognize appropriate boundaries with pupils.
Commenting on the case, Dominic Wall, the chief executive of the Southfield Grange Trust, explained that the incident was initially brought to light in 2017 when the headteacher, Alison Mander, received a complaint from a student.
An investigation was promptly launched, which uncovered sufficient concerns to warrant a formal inquiry.
This inquiry ultimately led to Singh’s dismissal from his position.
Wall emphasized that Singh’s behavior was considered gross misconduct and unacceptable.
He also highlighted that Miss Mander attended the hearing as a witness and expressed satisfaction that the disciplinary process resulted in a minimum three-year ban, which the trust deemed appropriate.
Wall further stated, “We regret any harm caused to our students, but we are proud that our students feel confident to report such matters.
Our staff, led by Miss Mander, takes these issues seriously and acts in the best interests of our pupils.” The trust reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring a safe environment for all students at Grange Technology College in Bradford.
