Correction: An earlier version of this story reported that Mr Stewart had written “You need me” in pink ink on one of the teenager’s school papers.
The person who gave this in evidence on the first day of the three-day hearing, Emma Jones, has now admitted it was incorrect and the words did not appear on the student’s paper. We apologise for any confusion caused.
The actions of a teacher who sent a birthday card to a 15-year-old pupil and wrote “cryptic” messages on her exam paper were not sexually motivated, a hearing committee has ruled.
Luke Stewart, from Caerphilly, was teaching maths at the private Catholic school, St John’s College, in Cardiff, when he was investigated.
He had sent the girl, known as Pupil A, a birthday card, provided private tutoring sessions at her home, and gave her an exam paper covered in pink writing.
On Thursday, September 21, the committee ruled his actions were not sexually motivated, and that there was not enough evidence to prove that Stewart had flirted or showed favouritism towards the girl.
An accusation that he had “encroached Pupil A’s personal space” was also dismissed.
However, Chair of the Fitness to Practise Committee, Helene Mansfield, called the 28-year-old’s behaviour “inappropriate”.
She said: “The birthday card that was sent to Pupil A in 2016 has also been carefully considered. Concerns were raised that the card was signed ‘Stewey’.”
Previously the hearing was told Luke Stewart had met with Pupil A’s mother at a garden centre, which was against school protocol, and sent her text messages.
It was proved Stewart had engaged with “extensive text message conversations” with the mother, with Ms Mansfield stating Stewart’s reasons for meeting the mother at locations outside of the school were “evasive and concerning”.
Giving evidence at the misconduct hearing in Cardiff, Stewart described his words as being “overly emotional.”
But, he said, they were meant as encouragement and “borne out of frustration that the pupil had developed an extremely negative attitude”.
He also admitted sending Pupil A a birthday card, but said it was one of several he had sent to pupils he had tutored.
He denied flirting and showing favouritism towards the girl, invading the pupil’s personal space, and that his actions were sexually motivated.
Stewart left St John’s College by mutual agreement in 2016, but faces being struck off after the panel found his behaviour went against a teacher’s duty of maintaining “mutual trust and respect” with students.
The case has now been adjourned for a decision on sanctions which include suspending him from the teaching register.
At last some balance to this story. Take out sexual intent, flirting and Private school which had no evidence and there is no real story here. School tittle tattle that got out of hand. He admitted the rest and they amount to transgressions not serious risk. Completely unblemished record behind this guy.
The problem with these sort of cases, and I’m not talking about this one in particular as I know only what is printed for public consumption, is that the accuser always remains unidentified whilst the accused is named and photographs are published.
Unless there is a conviction both parties should have their identity protected by law. This ‘news story’ is not news and should never have appeared in the media..
Spot on. There is no conviction possibility here as this is not a criminal case. He has not committed any crime but possibly breached teaching guidelines. Should never have been reported. Take away 12000£ a year and private school and over sensationalising content out of context and there is no story. Even ending the article on negative of banning is out of order. He could have a slap on the wrist and return to teaching which would be the right outcome. People of Caerphilly should support this kid not round on him. Unblemished record and host of character testimonies were supplied to this hearing. No wonder good male teachers are leaving in droves.
Headline is still wrong. School has now confirmed to Wales on line that there were no cryptic messages on exam papers in pink and WOL has printed correction and apology to teacher. They have already thrown out all serious allegations. Whats left is usual school parent teacher stresses. Update your headlines you’re way behind the facts.