Teacher Indefinitely Barred for Financial Transfers and Food Purchases Involving Pupils
A teacher has been permanently removed from the profession after admitting to sending substantial sums of money to a former pupil and purchasing approximately £1,000 worth of fast food for vulnerable students under his care. Roger Towersey, a 37-year-old geography instructor previously employed at Ditton Park Academy in Slough, Berkshire, accepted that his actions amounted to unacceptable professional conduct that could bring disrepute to teaching.
Financial Transfers to Former Student
Between October 2023 and April 2024, Towersey engaged in multiple social media conversations with a former pupil, culminating in financial transfers totaling £500 during late March and early April 2024. The Teaching Regulation Agency panel reviewed bank statements confirming these payments, which occurred after the former student had turned 18.
In one particularly concerning exchange, Towersey messaged the former pupil on TikTok with inappropriate comments about her financial situation, joking that people might suspect her of "dealing or doing only fans." Another message contained sexually suggestive remarks about shopping and pregnancy risks, concluding with complaints about adult responsibilities.
Fast Food Expenditures for Vulnerable Pupils
The disciplinary investigation further revealed that Towersey had spent around £1,000 on fast food deliveries for two current pupils he identified as vulnerable. Using services like Just Eat, he provided meals to students whom he had allowed to access school facilities during weekends and spent time with alone.
A critical finding from the TRA panel highlighted Towersey's failure to report that these children had informed him they were experiencing hunger and cold conditions. This omission was deemed a significant factor in the decision to impose a teaching ban.
Professional Conduct Violations
During an internal school meeting in April 2024, Towersey acknowledged that messaging the former pupil exceeded his professional boundaries, though he claimed to have forgotten she was a former student and stated he wanted to ensure she had someone to discuss her concerns with. He later described the money transfers as a "stupid" decision made in the moment.
In his written statement to the disciplinary panel, Towersey maintained that his motivations were "not nefarious or sinister" and believed his actions provided "net benefit" to one pupil's academic performance. However, the TRA concluded he had repeatedly attempted to establish inappropriate familiarity with students, crossing professional relationship boundaries.
Teaching Ban and Consequences
The indefinite prohibition, issued on March 3, prevents Towersey from teaching in any English school, sixth form college, youth accommodation facility, or children's home. While he retains the right to apply for restoration of teaching eligibility in the future, the panel determined his conduct was "clearly unprofessional" and warranted immediate removal from the profession.
This case underscores the strict professional boundaries expected within educational environments and the serious consequences for educators who violate trust through financial interactions or inappropriate relationships with students, regardless of perceived benevolent intentions.
