Publication date: 18 July 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting in private and remotely on 9 and 10 July 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against school teacher and independent school teacher, Michael Robert Blackburn.

The Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a School Teacher at St John’s College, Mr Blackburn

1. between around February 2020 and November 2022, in respect of safeguarding concerns, did not escalate safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and/or appropriate colleague at all.
2. between around February 2020 and November 2022, exchanged emails with Pupil 1 which were of an inappropriate and/or unprofessional nature.
3. between around February 2020 and November 2022, did not maintain a professional relationship and/or boundary with Pupil 1.
4. Between around February 2020 and November 2022, disclosed personal information about other pupils to Pupil 1.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Suspension Order (with conditions) on Mr Blackburn’s registration as a school teacher and independent school teacher for a period of 6 months (from 10 July 2024 to 10 January 2025), provided that he meets the conditions specified within this timeframe.

As such, Mr Blackburn will not be able to work as a school teacher in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales, or independent school teacher in or for an independent school in Wales for the period of the suspension.

Mr Blackburn has a right of appeal to High Court within 28 days.