PAUL CUTHBERTSON'S SHOCKING MISCONDUCT AT SOUTH CRAVEN SCHOOL

In December 2017, a disturbing case of misconduct involving a PE teacher at South Craven School came to light, revealing a pattern of inappropriate behavior and comments directed towards students and even a parent. The incident led to a formal hearing conducted by the National College for Teaching and Leadership, which ultimately resulted in the teacher being struck off the teaching register permanently.

Paul Cuthbertson, aged 37, had been employed at South Craven School since 2006, where he also served as the coach for the girls' football team. His tenure at the school was marred by allegations of serious misconduct spanning from 2015 to early 2016. The misconduct hearing uncovered that Cuthbertson had engaged in inappropriate contact with multiple pupils, as well as with a parent of a student, raising significant concerns about his professional conduct and suitability to teach.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Cuthbertson made highly inappropriate and suggestive comments to a female student, telling her that he had fancied her throughout her entire time at the school. He further claimed that he had let her get away with certain behaviors because he liked 'naughty girls.' Such remarks demonstrated a clear breach of professional boundaries and a lack of respect for the students' dignity.

In addition to these comments, Cuthbertson told another pupil that he wanted to kiss her and even went as far as asking her to come to his house in a box so he could 'unwrap' her, a statement that caused considerable alarm. He also made a bizarre comment about wanting to 'check out the talent in Aldi,' which was interpreted as an inappropriate remark directed towards a student.

Further revelations included his communication with a student's mother, where he used the term 'Bradistan' to describe Bradford and claimed to be a 'man in demand.' The panel also heard that he had compared the school's headteacher to Mr Majeika, a character from a children's book and television series about a wizard teacher, indicating a tendency towards unprofessional and bizarre comparisons.

Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Cuthbertson was not present at the misconduct hearing. He admitted to some of the accusations but denied sending Facebook messages to a girl, claiming that his account had been hacked. However, the panel dismissed this explanation as 'highly unlikely,' especially considering that the school’s safeguarding team had previously warned him about his social media behavior.

In response to the findings, the panel decided to impose an indefinite ban on Cuthbertson from teaching. He will be unable to apply for the lifting of this ban until at least 2019, effectively ending his teaching career. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding and maintaining professional standards within educational institutions.

Andrew Cummings, the headteacher of South Craven School, confirmed that Paul Cuthbertson resigned from his position in January 2016 amid an investigation into his conduct. Cummings stated, 'The school took action as soon as the allegations came to light and Mr Cuthbertson was immediately suspended,' highlighting the swift response of the school administration to the serious allegations against him.