Former PE Teacher Banned Following Sexual Misconduct Findings Involving Colleagues

An investigation has led to a former physical education teacher at a boarding school being prohibited from teaching, following its conclusion that he sexually assaulted two co-workers after an evening social event. Deane Anderton, formerly employed at Wymondham College in Norfolk, was determined to be guilty of “sexual misconduct of a serious nature” by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). During a three-day hearing, the panel received testimony indicating that the 32-year-old individual had brought two fellow staff members to his residence and assaulted them. Mr. Anderton disputed these claims, asserting that all interactions were “consensual”. The TRA has now issued an indefinite prohibition against him from teaching. The panel was informed that Mr. Anderton had been out socialising prior to meeting two colleagues, identified as Witness C and Witness D. The three individuals travelled by taxi to his residence, remaining there until the following morning. According to the panel, during the night, Mr. Anderton groped Witness C, restrained her in a bed, and inserted his fingers into her mouth. These actions led to Witness C sustaining bruises and/or scratches on her body. The panel further stated that Mr. Anderton sexually assaulted Witness C. The report, released after the hearing’s conclusion, indicated that he attempted to place his hand under Witness D’s top and her jeans, which he may have tried to undo. Both women, who were “scrutinised in a thorough manner” and characterized as “credible and reliable”, communicated with each other the subsequent day. Witness C conveyed her concerns to the school three days afterward, leading the college to initiate a disciplinary process and refer the matter to the TRA. Norfolk Police also commenced an investigation upon receiving a report of a sexual assault incident; however, “no further action was taken” due to “evidential difficulties as the victim was not supportive”. Mr. Anderton, previously noted for his “good record and good character”, has been prohibited from teaching and is ineligible to teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children’s home within England. He is not permitted to seek the reinstatement of his teaching eligibility. David Oatley, the TRA decision maker, stated: “The panel finds that the conduct of Mr Anderton fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession.” He added: “The findings of misconduct are particularly serious as they include a finding of non-consensual sexual misconduct with junior colleagues.“ Oatley continued: “It was apparent to the panel that sexual motivation was both a plausible and logical conclusion, considering the facts that had already been found proved.“ He concluded: “In my judgement, the lack of insight and remorse means that there is some risk of the repetition of this behaviour.” The Sapientia Education Trust, which operates the school, informed the BBC that despite the incidents occurring outside school premises, “as soon as we became aware of them, we took robust action”. A spokesperson for the Trust further stated: “This included appropriate referrals to relevant external agencies and a full disciplinary process that resulted in dismissal and referral to the TRA. ” They also noted: “The local authority designated officer was fully involved at all times, ensuring a multi-agency approach was undertaken. ” The spokesperson added: “Appropriate support was offered to the victims. Although no pupils were involved at any stage, we expect our staff to uphold high standards of personal conduct. ” Concluding, the spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the victims, and we fully support the TRA and Secretary of State’s decision to issue a prohibition order.”