JOHN FERN AND SHOCKING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AT NEWCASTLE'S ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL
The former headteacher of Newcastle's renowned Royal Grammar School has been formally prohibited from teaching following serious allegations of sexual misconduct.John Fern, who served as the principal of the Jesmond-based private educational institution from 2017 until 2019, faced a professional conduct panel convened by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) after allegations emerged from pupils at a previous school he had worked at.
These serious accusations include claims that Fern kissed two students at a boarding school and discussed his personal sexual activities with others.
According to reports, Fern also allegedly placed his hand inside a student’s clothing during his time at the school.
These allegations, which Fern has consistently denied, came to light after one student initially reported experiencing sexual activity with him to the police in 2019.
Investigators also interviewed another pupil in connection with the case; however, neither student wished to support criminal proceedings against Fern, leading to no further action being pursued through the criminal justice system.
During this period, Fern was reportedly on sick leave from his duties at RGS and did not return to the school afterward.
A spokesperson for the school explained, "These allegations relate to an entirely different school and took place 20 years ago.
They were brought to our attention after being reported to police in early summer 2019." The statement further outlined that Fern was on sick leave and, under the guidance of the Local Authority Safeguarding Officer, he did not resume his role at RGS.
Although police investigations did not result in charges, Fern resigned from his position in November 2019.
Subsequently, Fern was referred to the Teaching Regulation Agency.
The agency’s formal decision has recently been published, but the school was initially unable to comment publicly until the police completed their investigation and the TRA finalized disciplinary procedures.
A school spokeswoman expressed her dismay at the revelations, stating, "We were shocked and saddened to learn of the allegations and the impact they have had on the individuals concerned.
Although this matter does not relate to RGS and there was no cause for concern during Fern’s time here, all schools need to hear about such incidents and consider whether any lessons can be learned." The TRA report details that a pupil, designated as Pupil A, made a report to police asserting that the sexual activity in question had not caused lasting harm.
Pupil A explained that his decision to report Fern was driven by concern over Fern’s position of trust and authority, especially since Fern had attained a headteacher role.
He clarified that he did not wish to support criminal prosecution, believing the sexual encounters did not warrant legal action but was motivated by a desire to protect future students.
Following police contact, Fern informed the chair of governors at RGS and resigned promptly when notified of a forthcoming disciplinary hearing.
The panel concluded that Fern engaged in unacceptable professional conduct involving multiple pupils, including acts of a sexual nature which were at times non-consensual.
The report highlighted that Fern’s conduct represented a grave breach of the trust placed in him as an educator.
"The panel is satisfied that the conduct of Mr Fern amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession," it stated.
As a consequence, the panel recommended that the Secretary of State impose a prohibition order to prevent Fern from teaching in any capacity within England.
Sarah Buxcey, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State, approved this recommendation, leading to Fern being banned from teaching indefinitely.
He is now barred from working in any school, sixth form college, youth accommodation, or children’s home across England, citing a clear risk to pupils’ safety and wellbeing.
Parents of students attending RGS were informed of the situation via a letter issued earlier this week.
The school continues to promote itself as the North East's leading independent institution, with tuition fees exceeding £12,000 annually for junior pupils and over £15,000 for senior students.
The incident has sparked concerns among the community, especially considering that in 2018, five students were expelled amid rumors of bullying, illustrating ongoing challenges in ensuring student safety.
