TIMOTHY MOORE FROM CLACTON BANNED AFTER INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR AT ESSEX SCHOOL

In August 2019, a serious misconduct case involving Timothy Moore, a teacher based in Clacton, came to light, leading to his permanent ban from teaching in England. The disciplinary proceedings revealed troubling behavior during his tenure at Clacton Coastal Academy in Essex, spanning from 2016 to 2018.

Timothy Moore, who was 63 years old at the time, had dedicated over three decades of his life to education, working as a humanities teacher at the Essex school since April 2013. Despite his long career, his conduct in recent years prompted a formal investigation and subsequent disciplinary action. Moore chose not to attend the misconduct hearing, which was held to examine allegations of inappropriate behavior involving students.

The hearing uncovered that Moore had made sexually suggestive comments and engaged in physical contact with pupils that was deemed inappropriate and unprofessional. Specifically, he was accused of making remarks about a pupil’s underwear, using innuendoes, and physically touching students in ways that breached the expected standards of conduct for educators. One incident in March 2017 involved Moore telling a pupil who was adjusting her bra, “Don’t stop, glad we are comfortable together,” which raised serious concerns about his professionalism.

Further, Moore was reported to have said to a pupil, “I would spank you but it would be a bit inappropriate,” indicating a troubling attitude towards physical interaction with students. In response to these incidents, he received a first and final written warning in April 2017, along with additional safeguarding training aimed at preventing future misconduct. Despite these measures, he continued to teach until April 2018, when new allegations of inappropriate physical contact emerged, leading to his dismissal in July of the same year.

During the hearing, Moore described himself as a “tactile person,” and the panel acknowledged that some of his comments and physical gestures, such as patting students, made certain pupils feel uncomfortable. Witnesses described him as a “flamboyant” and “eccentric character,” who was considered “old school,” a “gentleman,” and “chivalrous.” While the panel did not find sufficient evidence to conclude that Moore’s actions were sexually motivated, they agreed that his conduct fell well below the professional standards expected of teachers.

As a result of the findings, the panel recommended that Moore be prohibited from teaching in England indefinitely. This order was subsequently approved by the Secretary of State. However, Moore has the right to apply for the prohibition to be lifted, with the possibility of doing so in July 2021, should he choose to pursue that option.