Mr Ben Russell

The Secretary of State does not make these decisions themselves. They are made by a senior official on the recommendation of an independent panel.

Teacher's name: Mr Ben Russell

Teacher reference number: 1043713

Teacher's date of birth: 29 January 1981

Location teacher worked: Nottingham, East Midlands

Date of professional conduct panel: 6 May to 7 May 2026

Outcome type: Prohibition order

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with The Teacher's’ Disciplinary (England) Regulations 2012, a professional conduct panel was convened to consider the case of Mr Ben Russel formerly employed in Nottingham, East Midlands.

Teacher misconduct

Ground Floor, South

Cheylesmore House

5 Quinton RoadCoventryCV1 2WT

Email TRA.Casework@education.gov.uk

Telephone 020 7593 5393

Information about regulating the teaching profession and the process for dealing with serious teacher misconduct.

OFFICIAL- FOR PUBLIC RELEASE On 26 December 2021, Mr Russell was arrested by the police for an alleged offence of harassing Person A. During Mr Russell's arrest, a small bag of cocaine was found in his possession. On 4 January 2022, the School suspended Mr Russell. During its investigation, the School obtained a number of accounts and documents from relevant staff members. On 13 June 2022, following its investigation, the School referred Mr Russell to the TRA, which has resulted in this hearing. Findings of fact The findings of fact are as follows: 1. On or about 26 November 2021, in the presence of colleagues, you said words to the effect of, "you're a bitch" to Person A. Mr Russell's representatives informed the panel that Mr Russell admitted this allegation. Before the panel were a number of accounts from staff members. One of those accounts included a formalised statement taken by the TRA for these proceedings and that witness was due to give evidence at this hearing (had the allegation not been admitted). This witness was a [REDACTED]. The statement set out that the School's Design and Technology faculty had a food teaching room which was often used by staff members during lunch breaks, so they could use the kettle and microwave that were in that room. The witness described that Person A came into this room during the lunch break and appeared visibly upset. Because of this, the door to the room was locked to make sure no pupils came in. The witness then describes Mr Russell coming up to the door of the room and opening the lock with his own master key. Whilst he was stood at the doorway, Mr Russell was described as shouting "you're a bitch" towards Person A. Following this, a colleague told Mr Russell to leave and went to lock the door again. Mr Russell was then seen coming back to the door a few times again, but the witness did not hear him say anything and he did not come into the room again. The School's investigation also obtained accounts from two other colleagues who were in the room at the time and their accounts were also consistent with this witness. Also before the panel was correspondence between the School and Mr Russell in which they sought to obtain Mr Russell's account about the concerns raised. Although Mr Russell did not attend an interview meeting or provide a substantive statement setting out his position, he did remark in his correspondence that he had already "admitted to swearing at [Person A] at school." 6 OFFICIAL- FOR PUBLIC RELEASE OFFICIAL- FOR PUBLIC RELEASE numerous unwanted telephone calls and left numerous unwanted voicemail messages between the dates of 23rd and 26th day of December 2021. Contrary to section 2(1) and (2) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997'. b. 'On 26/12/2021 at [REDACTED], had in your possession a quantity of cocaine a controlled drug of class A in contravention of section 5(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Contrary to section 5(2) of and Schedule 4 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 '. Mr Russell's representatives informed the panel that Mr Russell admitted this allegation. Before the panel was a copy of the court register from Nottinghamshire Magistrates' Court. The extract set out Mr Russell's personal details and that on 29 June 2022 he pleaded guilty to the two offences noted above. It further set out that on 27 July 2022, Mr Russell was sentenced as follows. For the harassment offence: • A fine of £120. • A restraining order not to contact Person A ([REDACTED]) or attend a specified address for a period of 12 months. • Costs and surcharges of £119. For the drugs offence: • A fine of £80. Also before the panel was information from the police investigation. It stated that on the evening of 22 December 2021, Person A was out having dinner with [REDACTED]. Whilst outside the restaurant, Mr Russell walked passed and starting shouting remarks at her including:"/ love you, you're my best friend, why are you doing this to me. I'm going to make sure you lose your [REDACTED], I will make anything up". The following morning, Person A received around 30 calls from a withheld number. Person A is said to have answered and recorded a number of these calls, in which Mr Russell is said to have made further comments about getting Person A's [REDACTED]. In also records that Mr Russell called Person A over 70 times on 25 December. On 26 December, Mr Russell was arrested by the police. On arrest, he was found to have a small bag of cocaine in his possession. The panel considered the admission given by Mr Russell's representatives was unequivocal and consistent with the surrounding evidence. The panel therefore accepted the admission and found this allegation proved. 8 OFFICIAL- FOR PUBLIC RELEASE