WILLIAM TURNBULL FROM MARKET DRAYTON BANNED FOR LIFE AFTER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WITH PUPIL

In October 2018, William Turnbull, a teacher from Market Drayton, was permanently prohibited from teaching following a misconduct investigation. Turnbull, who taught mathematics at The Grove School, was found to have engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a student, exchanging sexually explicit texts and sending her gifts, including jewelry. The misconduct came to light after the pair were seen together in a pub, prompting further investigation.

Phone records showed they had exchanged hundreds of messages, ranging from flirtatious and suggestive texts to detailed descriptions of sexual activities. A witness later observed them in a town centre and noted that they left the school together in Mr. Turnbull’s car.

The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) held a hearing where the 41-year-old teacher was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct. The panel reviewed the evidence and stated, “It is clear from the text message records that Mr. Turnbull’s relationship with Pupil A involved sexual contact in addition to sexual references in text messages. The reference to their sexual contact is worded in such a way that it is clearly no fantasy or proposal – it is a description of what they have done together in a sexual way. It is in the past tense, which is crucial.”

Although the student initially denied having a sexual relationship, the TRA concluded that her statements ‘contradict the content of the text message exchanges’. The panel emphasized that their relationship “went far beyond acceptable professional boundaries and clearly involved misconduct of a sexual nature that fell very significantly short of the standard of behaviour expected of a teacher.”

Turnbull, who did not attend the disciplinary hearing and was not represented, had worked at The Grove since 2008 and was described as being of ‘previous good character’. He initially denied the allegations.

Dawn Dandy, acting on behalf of Education Secretary Damian Hinds, decided to impose an indefinite prohibition order, permanently banning Mr. Turnbull from the teaching profession. The order also prevents him from applying for readmission in the future. However, he retains the right to appeal this decision to the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court within 28 days.

Ms. Dandy stated, “In my judgement, the absence of insight and remorse means that there is some risk of the repetition of this behaviour and this risks future safeguarding of pupils. I have therefore given this element considerable weight in reaching my decision.”

The Grove School confirmed that it acted swiftly once the allegations were made and confirmed that Mr. Turnbull was dismissed from his position.