BRENTWOOD TEACHER SARAH BARTON EXPOSED FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN LONDON AND LOCAL SCHOOLS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Brentwood community, Sarah Barton, a former drama teacher, has been found guilty of abusing her position of trust to engage in inappropriate and sexual activities with a female pupil. The incident, which took place over a period of time, involved multiple breaches of professional boundaries and has led to her being permanently barred from teaching.

Sarah Barton, aged 37, was employed at a school in Brentwood from September 2007 until July 2016, where she served as a drama teacher and later as the head of the drama and dance department. Her misconduct came to light after allegations surfaced in June 2016, prompting an internal investigation by the school authorities. It was revealed that Barton had developed an inappropriate relationship with a pupil, known only as Pupil A, which included a series of secretive communications and physical encounters.

The misconduct was detailed during a disciplinary hearing held in July, where Barton admitted to 12 allegations of inappropriate conduct. Among the most serious accusations was her taking Pupil A to the West End in London during half-term to see the musical 'Matilda.' During this trip, Barton arranged for a hotel stay, where she engaged in sexual activity with the pupil. The teacher also admitted to having sex with the girl in various locations, including fields and her car, and to contacting her via WhatsApp to avoid detection.

Further evidence presented at the hearing indicated that Barton had met with Pupil A in her school office, where she kissed the girl, and had also visited the pupil’s parents’ house, attending a birthday party in an apparent attempt to maintain the relationship. The panel heard that Barton’s actions were a clear breach of her professional responsibilities, as she exploited her role to satisfy her own sexual desires, thereby betraying the trust placed in her by students, parents, and colleagues.

Following the investigation, Essex Police were notified of the concerns regarding Barton’s inappropriate relationship. The authorities confirmed that they had been made aware of the situation in June 2016, and subsequent proceedings led to her being banned from teaching permanently. The disciplinary panel emphasized that Barton’s conduct was a serious violation of the ethical standards expected of educators, and her actions have had a lasting impact on the victim and the wider school community.