A physical education (PE) teacher has been banned from teaching after developing an inappropriate relationship with a female student. Stuart Smith, 48, who worked at Mayville High School in Portsmouth, Hampshire, was found to have crossed professional boundaries by becoming overly familiar with the pupil.
The disciplinary panel concluded that Mr. Smith had formed an emotional connection with the student during a school trip, engaging in private conversations and exchanging messages via WhatsApp. In one message, he referred to the student as “Premier League” and expressed his admiration for her.
Despite acknowledging that his interactions were too friendly, Mr. Smith attributed his behavior to spending extensive time with the student. He later admitted that his actions blurred the lines of professionalism.
Further allegations included inappropriate physical contact during a school trip and exchanging personal information with students. Although Mr. Smith was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in 2023, the police investigation was closed with no charges.
Following his resignation from the school, the panel deemed Mr. Smith’s actions as serious breaches of professional conduct and safeguarding principles. Consequently, he has been indefinitely banned from teaching, with a possibility of reapplication in 2029 and an option to appeal the decision in the High Court.
