Former assistant head at Shropshire school banned from teaching after 'serious sexual misconduct' with 14-year-old pupil

Spencer Radford, 49, was found to have engaged in the ‘relationship’ with the teenager at his previous school – which has not been named, but where he was employed from 1995 to 2006.

Most recently Radford was assistant headteacher at Thomas Adams School, Wem, although the offences did not take place at that school. Radford was employed at Thomas Adams between 2006 and 2018. He resigned during the 2018/19 school year.

His resignation came after he was reported to Cheshire Police in August 2018 by a former pupil and friend of the alleged victim for allegations including sexual misconduct at the former school.

The investigation was dropped by police because the victim did not support the prosecution, but Thomas Adams undertook its own disciplinary investigation, with Radford taking the decision to resign.

A report published by the Government’s Teaching Regulation Agency shows the allegations of misconduct were proved, despite Radford’s denials.

The panel which assessed the case concluded he was “responsible for prolonged serious sexual misconduct with the pupil”.

As a result he has been banned from teaching in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England, and will not be able to apply to become a teacher again.

Concluding the report, decision maker Sarah Buxcey said the decision had been guided by the severity of the case.

The report conclusion states: “The panel took note that it was not an isolated incident. It was a prolonged period of sexual misconduct with a child. Mr Radford also sought to engage a second child in colluding to keep the misconduct secret.”

The report added: “Furthermore, the sexual misconduct only came to an end at the instigation of Pupil A.”

In her evidence, the victim, known as 'Pupil A' said that they would spend time 'snuggled' on the sofa watching films.

The report states: "Pupil A told the panel she and Mr Radford would spend time at his house, as this was the only place they could spend time together. Pupil A said that Mr Radford would pick her up and take her to his house.

"Pupil A in her written evidence said that when she was at Mr Radford’s house she spent time snuggled on the sofa with him watching films."

Her evidence added that "as the relationship progressed" they started kissing and took part in other sexual activity.

The panel also heard that Radford told another pupil he was in love with the schoolgirl, went on trips out, and allowed the pupil to stay overnight in his home.

Radford admitted to texting the pupil, entering her home and giving her lifts.

A statement from Shropshire Council on behalf of Thomas Adams said that the offences had taken place before he was employed by the school.

It added: “There were no reported concerns relating to Mr Radford’s conduct whilst he was employed at the school.”