Private School Teacher Receives Indefinite Ban Following Assault Conviction

An indefinite teaching ban has been imposed by a misconduct panel on a private school teacher who carried out a violent assault while intoxicated. Andrew Dixon, aged 26, held positions as a PE teacher, boarding house tutor, and head of house at St Joseph’s College in Ipswich. A hearing conducted by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) disclosed his conviction in March 2023 for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, stemming from an incident that occurred at the school in December 2022. Prior to rendering its decision, the panel observed that Mr. Dixon’s conduct was likely to have “had an impact on the safety and security of pupils.” The panel was informed that Mr. Dixon, who neither attended nor had representation, had gone out for drinks with colleagues following work on December 16, 2022. He subsequently returned to campus “under the influence of alcohol”; however, rather than proceeding to his staff accommodation, he entered a common room occupied by a group of 24 Spanish students. Around 22:40 GMT, Mr. Dixon engaged in an altercation with a male staff member from a holiday company whom he did not recognize and of whom he was “suspicious,” according to the panel’s findings. The next day, he was arrested at the college and later admitted to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court. The victim reportedly sustained a broken thumb, several bruises, and pain in his jaw, which potentially necessitated surgery. Mr. Dixon, who had been dismissed by the college following a disciplinary hearing, avoided a prison sentence but was mandated to pay an undisclosed fine and compensation. Panellists reviewed written statements provided by students who reported that they “felt a sense of shock” while observing the incident. The panel determined that Mr. Dixon had failed to “uphold high standards of conduct and to act as a role model.” Nevertheless, they observed that “the seriousness of the offence was on the lower end of the spectrum” and that Mr. Dixon had subsequently “indicated a willingness to seek support.” The panel also considered the remorse demonstrated by Mr. Dixon, noting he was “ashamed about his actions” and “extremely sorry.” Mr. Dixon received a ban from teaching in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children’s home across England. He retains the option to appeal this decision if he desires to return to teaching, though not before 2026. St Joseph’s College was approached for a statement. For updates on Suffolk news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.