A teacher in Wigan has been barred from teaching after reportedly engaging in inappropriate and sexual discussions about orgasms and sex toys with students at The Westleigh School. Ms. Kathryn Matthews, an English teacher at the school for two months, was suspended following the incident, which was brought to light through student conversations.
Following a panel hearing by the Teaching Regulation Authority, it was determined that Ms. Matthews had participated in discussions of a sexual nature with students, leading to her dismissal from the profession due to serious misconduct. The panel found that students had regular inappropriate chats with Ms. Matthews, viewing her more as a friend than a teacher.
The investigation revealed that Ms. Matthews had conversations with students involving various sexual topics, such as anal sex, gay sex, sex toy incidents, female and male orgasms, and masturbation during an English lesson. Despite her denial of the allegations and claims of student conspiracy, the panel concluded that her conduct fell significantly short of professional standards, resulting in a ban from teaching.
Ms. Matthews, who was terminated in February 2024, is prohibited from working in any educational setting in England for at least two years. She may seek to lift the prohibition order after this period, subject to panel review.
