A SENIOR teacher at a Thurrock school has been banned because of his inappropriate messages to a former pupil.

A misconduct panel has considered and delivered a verdict on Christopher Way, 48, who was Head of Business at The Gateway Academy in Tilbury.

The Teaching Regulation Agency has banned him indefinitely from teaching after finding him guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and conduct likely to bring the profession into disrepute.

The panel heard he sent a former pupil dozens of emails and WhatsApp messages that breached professional boundaries between September 2022 and September 2023.

The messaging referenced autism as a joke and featured a link to an 'x.com' site that contained words which were a play on the word 'testicles'. In communications he called the girl 'sweetheart' and 'munchkin', adding jokes about giving her a 'massive cuddle'.

The panel said the tone and content of the messages, made from personal devices and outside school hours, was 'over-familiar, unprofessional, and in breach of the academy's code of conduct'.

Concerns were raised in September 2023 after the former pupil disclosed the communication.

Way did not inform school leaders of the personal contact or ongoing messages. While he admitted some allegations, including breaches of professional boundaries, he was not present at the hearing and was found to have shown only limited insight into the impact of his actions.

Way stated in his written statement that he did "exchange emails" and further stated that the "content of the emails is predominantly focused on helping   push forward to the next step", such as "keeping her motivated" and assisting with job hunting. "

Way further stated in his written statement that "this type of communication" was something he had "never done before and would never do again" as it was unprofessional. Mr Way also stated that he thought he was helping the pupil as she asked for his support, but "realised this was not the case".

The panel has imposed a prohibition order with a two-year review period.

This means he cannot teach in any school, college or children's home in England and may only apply to have the ban lifted after July 2027.

A statement issued by the Gateway Academy says: "We can confirm that an individual formerly employed by The Gateway Academy has been prohibited from teaching following an investigation by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). This prohibition relates to the sending of inappropriate emails to a student whilst they were employed at the school.

"Upon becoming aware of concerns, The Gateway Academy immediately initiated its internal safeguarding procedures and cooperated fully with all relevant authorities, including the Teaching Regulation Agency. The safety and well-being of our students is, and always will be, our absolute priority.

"We have robust policies and procedures in place to protect our students, and we act swiftly and decisively whenever these standards are not met.

"We understand that incidents of this nature can be concerning to our school community. We want to reassure parents, students, and staff that we are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all. We regularly review and strengthen our safeguarding practices and are confident that they are of the highest possible standard.

"We remain dedicated to providing an excellent education within a secure and nurturing environment."

The panel's full report can be read via this link.