Senior Teacher Found Guilty of Unacceptable Professional Conduct Over Messages
A former assistant principal and designated safeguarding lead at Launceston College in Cornwall has been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct after sending what he described as "clumsy jokes" to a former pupil.
The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel ruled that David Egford breached professional boundaries during a three-day text message exchange in early 2024. The messages were described as sexual in nature, though the panel did not find they were sexually motivated.
Inappropriate Relationship Developed Through Messages
The disciplinary report, published in January, reveals that Mr Egford had initially been asked by a third party to offer career support to the former pupil, who was under 18 and had already left the school. However, the conversation later became "weird," according to Mr Egford's own description.
Between November 2023 and February 2024, Mr Egford is alleged to have developed an inappropriate relationship with the former pupil. The allegations stated that his conduct was sexually motivated, though he denied this aspect.
Mr Egford accepted that his behavior had crossed professional boundaries but maintained that it was not sexually motivated and did not constitute unacceptable professional conduct likely to bring the profession into disrepute.
Specific Messages That Crossed Boundaries
The panel heard specific details about the messages exchanged. When the former pupil mentioned being cold, Mr Egford told her to put more clothes on. He later attempted to apologize for what he called a "clumsy joke," but the panel was told this made matters "far worse."
In one message, Mr Egford told the student: "So this morning when we were chatting I kind of forgot I wasn’t supposed to be and I liked it and I took it too far and honestly liked the fact I thought you were in bed and not dressed. I know that's wrong but I still don't mind that I thought it. Just wanted to be honest."
The student was asked to delete this message. Mr Egford also told the pupil she was pretty and suggested she needed to spend more time with him.
Career History and Disciplinary Process
David Egford joined Launceston College in 2008, becoming its designated safeguarding lead in 2014 and an assistant principal in 2016. Concerns about his messages with the former pupil were raised in January 2024, prompting an internal investigation.
A disciplinary hearing in March 2024 resulted in his dismissal. He appealed the decision, and the case was subsequently referred to the Teaching Regulation Agency on April 5, 2024.
Panel Findings and Consequences
The TRA panel considered that using social media, sending messages outside working hours, and the content of messages that strayed outside career advice all constituted developing an inappropriate relationship with the former pupil.
Marc Cavey, on behalf of the secretary of state for Education, stated in his report: "The panel was satisfied that the conduct of Mr Egford amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession."
Despite the serious findings, the panel decided not to bar Mr Egford from teaching. They noted this was an isolated incident in an otherwise unblemished 20-year career, including 14 years at Launceston College.
Reasons for Not Issuing Prohibition Order
The panel found that:
- This was a singular incident during an exemplary career
- Only one message was found to be of a sexual nature
- There was no finding of sexual motivation
- The majority of communications were professional and related to employment
- There was no evidence suggesting Mr Egford represents a risk to pupils
Mr Cavey added: "While the misconduct found by the panel was undoubtedly serious, I have concluded that a prohibition order is not proportionate or in the public interest. I consider that the publication of the findings made would be sufficient to send an appropriate message."
College Response and Safeguarding Commitment
Following the publication of the report, Matthew Thompson, principal at Launceston College, which is part of the Athena Learning Trust, stated: "At Launceston College our top priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our students, and we take our safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. We have robust procedures in place to deal with any issues, and these are regularly reviewed."
The panel noted that Mr Egford's behavior made the former pupil so uncomfortable that she reported the messages to the college. An ex-colleague told the panel that Mr Egford had been an advocate for safeguarding and that his behavior was not the type of conduct he typically advocated.
While the panel accepted that Mr Egford had been under professional stress, including staffing challenges within the safeguarding team and job insecurity concerns, they found this was not sufficient reason for his behavior.
