Teacher Banned for Life After Gifting Stockings and Making Sexual Comments to Students
A teacher has been permanently prohibited from teaching after a regulatory panel determined he engaged in sexually motivated conduct towards two female pupils, including gifting one a pair of stockings in inappropriate wrapping. The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) found that Mr Peter Ledwidge, a former Religious Studies teacher at Anglo European School in Ingatestone, committed multiple instances of misconduct over a two-year period, leading to his indefinite ban from the profession.
Investigation and Allegations
The case came to light in 2021 when a student disclosed concerns to the school, prompting an investigation. Mr Ledwidge, who had taught at the school since April 2016, was suspended in May 2021, and a referral was made to the Local Authority Designated Officer. Essex Police were contacted on May 19, 2021, and Mr Ledwidge was arrested on July 20, 2021, on suspicion of two counts of harassment related to two separate female students. Although the Crown Prosecution Service did not pursue criminal charges, the police referred the matter to the TRA on July 30, 2021.
Inappropriate Gifts and Communications
The panel reviewed evidence that included a gift of stockings given to Pupil B, wrapped in customised paper featuring Pupil A's face. Pupil B described the stockings as suited for burlesque or sexual activity rather than daily wear, stating she found the gift shocking and weird. Mr Ledwidge had instructed Pupil B not to disclose the gift to anyone.
Additionally, between October 2019 and May 2021, Mr Ledwidge sent one or more emails to Pupil A containing inappropriate comments, such as poetic and suggestive messages. He also shared a clip from the film Love Actually that was sexual in nature and a YouTube link to My Fair Lady, asking Pupil A to substitute lyrics to relate to school. The panel noted he conducted internet searches for Pupil A and stored a photo of her in a leather skirt, which was considered of a sexual nature.
Panel Findings and Consequences
The TRA panel concluded in January that there was sufficient evidence to determine Mr Ledwidge's conduct towards both pupils was sexually motivated, describing it as apparent stepping stones towards a sexual relationship. During a police interview, Mr Ledwidge admitted his actions were wrong and that Pupil A was his favourite, though he claimed not to behave similarly with other students.
While the panel acknowledged some remorse and insight from Mr Ledwidge in statements to the TRA, including apologies for his behavior and its impact, they emphasized that public confidence in the teaching profession would be seriously undermined if such conduct were not treated with utmost seriousness. As a result, Mr Ledwidge is prohibited from teaching indefinitely in any school, sixth form college, youth accommodation, or children's home in England. Furthermore, due to the severity of the proven allegations, he is not entitled to apply for restoration of his teaching eligibility.
