A South London mathematics teacher has been prohibited from teaching indefinitely after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13. Daniel Ata-Baah, who taught at the City of London Academy in Southwark, received the lifetime ban following a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel decision on July 24, 2026.
Incident and conviction
Ata-Baah began working at the academy on January 1, 2018. In March 2018, an allegation of a sexual offence was made against him, leading to his immediate suspension. He resigned on November 9, 2018. In November 2024, he was convicted at Croydon Crown Court of one count of assaulting a girl under 13 by touch. He received a sentence of 18 months' imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.
During the TRA panel hearing, it was noted that Ata-Baah had asked the child to sit on his lap and then 'touched her breasts over her clothing for his own sexual gratification'. A witness testified to seeing his 'erect penis' under his clothing during the incident.
Panel findings and prohibition order
The panel considered whether the Secretary of State should impose a ban on Ata-Baah's ability to teach. They found that he breached professional standards, including upholding public trust in the profession and showing proper regard for the school's ethos, policies, and practices. His actions were described as 'clearly deliberate'.
The panel also assessed the impact of a prohibition order on Ata-Baah, finding no evidence that he had 'exceptionally high standards in his personal and professional conduct' or that he had contributed significantly to the education sector. They noted no evidence that the incident was 'out of character'.
Consequences and response
As a result, Ata-Baah is now prohibited from teaching in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children's home in England. He is not entitled to apply to have his eligibility restored, but retains the right to appeal to the High Court within 28 days of being notified.
A City of London Academies Trust spokesperson said: “This teacher worked at the school for two months before being suspended immediately in March 2018 when the academy learnt about the allegations for which he was subsequently convicted. The academy followed all appropriate safeguarding and employment procedures and referred the matter to the Teaching Regulation Agency. He resigned in November 2018 and has not worked at the academy since. The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our highest priority and we are committed to the highest standards of safeguarding.”
