STOWMARKET TEACHER BANNED OVER ALCOHOL AND KISSING CLAIMS - BBC NEWS
A teacher who allowed students to drink alcohol and who kissed another on her cheek has been banned from the profession indefinitely.Matthew Edison, 35, was head of the maths department at Finborough School, an independent day and boarding school near Stowmarket, Suffolk.
According to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), during a Burns Night school dinner in January 2018 he had been drinking as well as allowing students to consume alcohol.
It said he then went on to kiss a student on her cheek, before a school investigation claimed he had also made inappropriate comments.
Mr Edison had been employed at the school since September 2016, according to the TRA report.
He admitted to having drunk prosecco, wine and whisky at the Burns Night dinner while also consuming the drinks of those on his table.
Witnesses described him as 'drunk', and Edison said his mind was 'blank until I wake up in the morning'.
Statements from witnesses outlined how students and the teacher spent time in the sixth form area with alcohol involved.
The TRA noted there was insufficient evidence to support an allegation he had assisted in supplying students with alcohol, but he had passively permitted its consumption.
Photos taken on the night show Mr Edison kissing a female student’s cheek, which he admitted during the investigation.
The report also documented other incidents from September 2016 to April 2021, including comments he made to a pupil, such as telling her she should be a model, calling her 'beautiful' and his 'favourite', and saying 'I love you' regularly.
Edison reflected on his actions, undertook safeguarding training, and showed insight to the extent that he recognized boundaries had been blurred.
He will be able to apply for his ban to be lifted in five years.
