Bolton high school teacher banned after drinking cider in the classroom

The Teaching Regulation Agency has published a report into the conduct of Jon Downs, 36, who was employed at Westhoughton High School in Bolton.

Mr Downs has admitted that on or around July 3, 2023, he brought alcohol onto school premises, consumed alcohol whilst on school premises and/or during school hours, and that his conduct put pupils at risk of harm.

The hearing heard heard that other school employees reported that Mr Downs had been acting “quite out of character”, and one “could smell alcohol coming from him.” The panel also heard that another member found three empty cans of cider in Mr Down’s classroom bin when no students were there, and the panel also had sight of photographs of a school-branded water bottle with 3cm of liquid left in the bottom - which staff members said was also cider.

A report states: “The panel did not accept that the incident was out of character at the time although did note that Mr Downs’ previous disciplinary record was unblemished and that there was no evidence in the bundle of any previous concerns having been raised about Mr Downs’ conduct or performance. The panel noted that there was some insight and remorse on the part of Mr Downs and did note that Mr Downs acknowledged his wrongdoing.”

Decision

The panel was satisfied that Mr Downs was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and that his actions constituted conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute.

He has been prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England. He may apply for the prohibition order to be set aside, but not until May 2, 2027, two years from the date of this order at the earliest.

It is not an automatic right to have the prohibition order removed, and if he does apply, a panel will meet to consider whether the prohibition order should be set aside. Without a successful application, Mr Downs remains prohibited from teaching indefinitely. Decision maker Marc Cavey said: “I have placed considerable weight on both the serious nature of the misconduct found and the panel’s comments concerning the lack of evidence that Mr Downs has developed full insight into the causes of his behaviour.”

What does the school say?

Neil Coe, headteacher at Westhoughton High School, said: “We welcome the decision by the Teaching Regulation Agency regarding a former teacher at Westhoughton High School.

“Following an incident in 2023, we took swift action using our own robust internal procedures. The teacher was suspended immediately, and we instigated a formal disciplinary process which would likely have resulted in dismissal had the individual not resigned beforehand. Parents can be assured that all teachers at Westhoughton High School are committed to providing a professional and safe learning environment for our students.”