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Samuel Eady:
Professional conduct
panel meeting outcome
Panel decision and reasons on behalf of the
Secretary of State for Education
April 2026
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Contents
Introduction 3
Allegations 4
Summary of evidence 4
Documents 4
Statement of agreed facts 5
Decision and reasons 5
Findings of fact 5
Panel’s recommendation to the Secretary of State 10
Decision and reasons on behalf of the Secretary of State 14
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Professional conduct panel decision and recommendations,
and decision on behalf of the Secretary of State
Teacher: Mr Samuel Eady
Teacher ref number: 2063566
Teacher date of birth: 20 January 1995
TRA reference: 24657
Date of determination: 27 April 2026
Former employer: Vale of York Academy, York
Introduction
A professional conduct panel (“the panel”) of the Teaching Regulation Agency (“the
TRA”) convened on 27 April 2026 by way of a virtual meeting, to consider the case of Mr
Samiel Eady.
The panel members were Mrs Melissa West (teacher panellist – in the chair), Mr Scott
Evans (lay panellist) and Mr Terry Hyde (former teacher panellist).
The legal adviser to the panel was Mr Jermel Anderson of Blake Morgan Solicitors.
In advance of the meeting, after taking into consideration the public interest and the
interests of justice, the TRA agreed to a request from Mr Samuel Eady that the
allegations be considered without a hearing. Mr Eady provided a signed statement of
agreed facts and admitted unacceptable professional conduct and/or conduct that may
bring the profession into disrepute and/or conviction of a relevant offence. The panel
considered the case at a meeting without the attendance of the presenting officer, Ms
Shannett Thompson or, Mr Eady.
The meeting took place in private.
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Allegations
The panel considered the allegations set out in the notice of meeting dated 13 April 2026.
It was alleged that Mr Samuel Eady was guilty of having been convicted of a relevant
offence, in that:
1. On or around 24 June 2024, he was convicted of intentionally touching a woman aged
16 or over and that touching was sexual when she did not consent, and he did not
reasonably believe that she was consenting contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003
s3.
It was alleged that he was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and/or conduct
that may bring the profession into disrepute in that whilst working as a Teacher of
Mathematics at Vale of York Academy:
2. Between on or around October 2022 and 7 May 2024, he failed to inform his
employer, in accordance with relevant school policies, that there was a criminal
investigation into his conduct.
3. His conduct at paragraph 2 above:
a. was dishonest;
b. lacked integrity.
Mr Eady made full admissions to the allegations as set out in the statement of agreed
facts.
Summary of evidence
Documents
In advance of the hearing, the panel received a bundle of documents which included:
Section 1: Chronology and list of key people – pages 3 to 5
Section 2: Notice of hearing and response – pages 6 to 15
Section 3: Statement of agreed facts – pages 16 to 19
Section 4: Teaching Regulation Agency documents – pages 20 to 189
Section 5: Teacher documents – page 190
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The panel members confirmed that they had read all of the documents within the bundle,
in advance of the hearing. In addition to the contents within the bundle, all members of
the panel confirmed that they had also listened to the recording of Mr Eady’s police
interview which was provided to them by the TRA.
In the consideration of this case, the panel had regard to the document Teacher
misconduct: Disciplinary procedures for the teaching profession 2020, (the “Procedures”).
Statement of agreed facts
The panel considered a statement of agreed facts which was signed by Mr Samuel Eady
on 8 March 2026.
Decision and reasons
The panel announced its decision and reasons as follows:
The panel carefully considered the case before it and reached a decision.
In advance of the meeting the TRA agreed to a request from Mr Samuel Eady for the
allegations to be considered without a hearing. The panel had the ability to direct that the
case be considered at a hearing if required in the interests of justice or in the public
interest. The panel did not determine that such a direction was necessary or appropriate
in this case.
Mr Eady commenced employed at the Vale of York Academy (“The Academy”) on 1
September 2021. On 15 October 2022, an incident occurred leading to a police
investigation into Mr Eady’s conduct. At this point he did not inform The Academy. He
was subsequently charged on 24 April 2024. On 7 May 2024, he notified The Academy of
the charge, after which he was suspended; The Academy then began its own
investigation. Mr Eady attended Bromley Magistrates’ Court on 24 June 2024 and
entered a plea of guilty to the offence, he resigned from his role at The Academy at the
same date. He was then sentenced on 26 July 2024. The Academy continued its
disciplinary process, concluding on 1 September 2024, it then referred Mr Eady to the
TRA on 4 November 2024.
Findings of fact
The findings of fact are as follows:
The panel found the following particulars of the allegations against you proved, for these
reasons:
You have been convicted of a relevant offence at any time that:
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1. On or around 24 June 2024, you were convicted of intentionally touching a
woman aged 16 or over and that touching was sexual when she did not consent
and you did not reasonably believe that she was consenting contrary to the
Sexual Offences Act 2003 s3.
The panel was satisfied that it had sight of a certificate of conviction, demonstrating that
Mr Eady was convicted on 24 June 2024 of the offence as alleged. It considered that this
was conclusive proof of the commission of the offence. Additionally, it noted that the
allegation was admitted in full.
The panel accordingly found Allegation 1 proved.
You are guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and/or conduct that may bring
the profession into disrepute in that whilst working as a Teacher of Mathematics at
Vale of York Academy:
2. Between on or around October 2022 and 7 May 2024, you failed to inform your
employer, in accordance with relevant school policies, that there was a criminal
investigation into your conduct.
The panel noted that Mr Eady had made a full admission to this allegation and confirmed
that he had not declared the police investigation to The Academy prior to 7 May 2024. It
also was satisfied that it had sight of the record of The Academy’s investigation, whereby
Mr Eady acknowledged that he should have made a declaration and had chosen not to.
Additionally, it had consideration of the school policy, which indicated that employees
were obliged to inform The Academy of an arrest or investigation in a timely manner.
The panel accordingly found Allegation 2 proved.
3. Your conduct at paragraph 2 above:
a. was dishonest;
When considering the question of dishonesty, the panel was careful to consider the
test as found within the paragraph 74 of the decision Ivey v Genting Casinos [2017]
UKSC 67. It accordingly first explored Mr Eady’s knowledge or belief as to facts when
considering his decision to not declare the criminal investigation to The Academy. It
was considered notable by the panel, that by his own admission, Mr Eady “should
have said something earlier”, and had failed to do so. It additionally had regard to the
fact that within the notes of the school’s investigation report that had been provided to
it, it had sight of Mr Eady stating that he had not made a prior declaration as if he had
done so “that is my job is gone”. It accordingly determined that it could draw the
inference that Mr Eady’s knowledge and belief as to the facts during the relevant
period, was that he knew he was being dishonest, and that he had intentionally acted
in a dishonest manner to protect his career. The panel then went on to consider the
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question of dishonesty when considered by the standards of ordinary decent people.
The panel determined that ordinary decent people would consider a situation where a
teacher had knowingly deceived his employer as to the fact that he faced a serious
criminal investigation, seemingly influenced by the fear of losing his role, would be
construed to be dishonest.
The panel therefore found Allegation 3a proved.
b. lacked integrity.
The panel had regard to the decision of Wingate & Anor v The Solicitors Regulation
Authority [2018] EWCA Civ 366, when considering the question of integrity. It was
careful to ensure that it did not impose unrealistically high standards with regard to
the expected conduct of Mr Eady, and was careful to approach the question, in the
knowledge that he was not expected to be a paragon of virtue. The panel however
noted that by its own findings, and by his own admissions, Mr Eady had acted in a
dishonest manner to protect his career. It considered that this was indicative of a
significant departure from the ethical and professional standards that he was
expected to adhere to, and that such a finding, was therefore indicative of a lack of
integrity. Teachers are expected to engage in their profession in a transparent and
honest manner, and Mr Eady’s behaviour was contrary to this expectation.
The panel accordingly found Allegation 3b proved.
Findings as to unacceptable professional conduct and/or conduct that
may bring the profession into disrepute and/or conviction of a relevant
offence
Having found all of the allegations proved, the panel went on to consider whether the
facts of those proved allegations amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and/or
conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute and/or a conviction for a relevant
offence.
Unacceptable professional conduct
The panel had regard to the document Teacher misconduct: The prohibition of teachers,
which is referred to as “the Advice”.
The panel first considered whether the conduct of Mr Eady, in relation to the facts found
proved at Allegation 2 and Allegation 3, involved breaches of the Teachers’ Standards.
The panel considered that, by reference to Part 2, Mr Eady was in breach of the following
standards:
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• Teachers must have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and
practices of the school in which they teach,
• Teachers must have an understanding of, and always act within, the statutory
frameworks which set out their professional duties and responsibilities.
The panel was not satisfied that the conduct of Mr Eady, in relation to the facts found
proved, involved breaches of Keeping Children Safe In Education (“KCSIE”).
Additionally, the panel was not satisfied that the conduct of Mr Eady, in relation to the
facts found proved, involved breaches of Working Together to Safeguard Children.
The panel also considered whether Mr Eady’s conduct displayed behaviours associated
with any of the offences listed on pages 12 and 13 of the Advice.
The Advice indicates that where behaviours associated with such an offence exist, a
panel is likely to conclude that an individual’s conduct would amount to unacceptable
professional conduct.
The panel found that the offence of fraud or serious dishonesty was relevant.
For these reasons, the panel was satisfied that the conduct of Mr Eady amounted to
misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of
the profession.
Accordingly, the panel was satisfied that Mr Eady was guilty of unacceptable professional
conduct.
Conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute
In relation to whether Mr Eady’s actions amounted to conduct that may bring the
profession into disrepute, the panel took into account the way the teaching profession is
viewed by others. It considered the influence that teachers may have on pupils, parents
and others in the community. The panel also took account of the uniquely influential role
that teachers can hold in pupils’ lives and the fact that pupils must be able to view
teachers as role models in the way that they behave.
In considering the issue of disrepute, the panel also considered whether Mr Eady’s
conduct displayed behaviours associated with any of the offences in the list that begins
on page 12 of the Advice.
As set out above in the panel’s findings as to whether Mr Eady was guilty of
unacceptable professional conduct, the panel found that the offence of fraud and serious
dishonesty was relevant.
The panel considered that Mr Eady’s conduct could potentially damage the public’s
perception of a teacher. It noted that he was under an obligation to disclose a criminal
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investigation and had not done so, and it noted that the potential impact of this
dishonesty was aggravated by the nature of the conviction.
For these reasons, the panel found that Mr Eady’s actions constituted conduct that may
bring the profession into disrepute.
Conviction of a relevant offence
The panel first considered whether the conduct of Mr Eady in relation to the facts found
proved in relation to Allegation 1, involved breaches of the Teachers’ Standards.
The panel considered that, by reference to Part 2, Mr Eady was in breach of the following
standards:
• Teachers uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of
ethics and behaviour, within and outside school, by
o not undermining fundamental British values…, the rule of law, individual
liberty and mutual respect
The panel noted that Mr Eady’s actions were relevant to teaching, working with children
and working in an education setting. It considered that members of the public would
expect teachers to respect rights and the dignity of others at all times. It also considered
that the nature of the offending would draw some concern, though it acknowledged that
the offence did not concern a young person or child.
The panel noted that the behaviour involved in committing the offence could have had an
impact on the safety and/or security of members of the public.
The panel also took account of the way the teaching profession is viewed by others. The
panel considered that Mr Eady’s behaviour in committing the offence could affect public
confidence in the teaching profession, given the influence that teachers may have on
pupils, parents and others in the community.
The panel also had regard to the fact that Mr Eady was given notification requirements by
order of the court for a period of 5 years, which was indicative of the nature of the
offence.
The panel also considered the offences listed on pages 12 and 13 of the Advice.
This was a case concerning an offence involving sexual activity which the Advice states
is likely to be considered a relevant offence.
The panel took into account that Mr Eady reported that he was highly intoxicated at the
time of the alleged incident and that he had no recollection of it, it however considered
that these facts were limited in their ability to mitigate the conduct in the circumstances. It
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also acknowledged the fact that Mr Eady had apologised to Person A, the victim of the
assault, the day after the incident, that he had been wholly cooperative with the police
investigation, and that he had entered a guilty plea at the first opportunity. It however also
noted that it had sight of the supplementary statement of Person A, which stated that she
had suffered “physical and mental symptoms following the offence” and that she had
taken some time to “come to terms” with the assault.
The panel found that the seriousness of the offending behaviour that led to the conviction
was relevant to Mr Eady’s ongoing suitability to teach. The panel considered that a
finding that this conviction was for a relevant offence was necessary to reaffirm clear
standards of conduct so as to maintain public confidence in the teaching profession.
Panel’s recommendation to the Secretary of State
Given the panel’s findings in respect of unacceptable professional conduct, conduct that
may bring the profession into disrepute and a conviction of a relevant offence, it was
necessary for it to go on to consider whether it would be appropriate to recommend the
imposition of a prohibition order by the Secretary of State.
In considering whether to recommend to the Secretary of State that a prohibition order
should be made, the panel had to consider whether it would be an appropriate and
proportionate measure, and whether it would be in the public interest to do so. Prohibition
orders should not be given in order to be punitive, or to show that blame has been
apportioned, although they are likely to have punitive effect.
The panel had regard to the particular public interest considerations set out in the Advice
and, having done so, found a number of them to be relevant in this case, namely:
• the safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils and the protection of other members of
the public
• the maintenance of public confidence in the profession
• declaring and upholding proper standards of conduct .
In the light of the panel’s findings against Mr Eady, which involved the dishonest non-
disclosure of a police investigation into a serious allegation, there was a strong public
interest consideration in relation to all of the above.
There was a strong public interest consideration in respect of the safeguarding and
wellbeing of pupils and the protection of other members of the public, given the nature of
the conviction that Mr Eady received and also that he had withheld his knowledge of the
investigation from The Academy for a significant period of time.
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Similarly, the panel considered that public confidence in the profession could be seriously
weakened if conduct such as that found against Mr Eady were not treated with the
utmost seriousness when regulating the conduct of the profession.
The panel was of the view that a strong public interest consideration in declaring proper
standards of conduct in the profession was also present as the conduct found against Mr
Eady was outside that which could reasonably be tolerated.
In addition to the public interest considerations set out above, the panel went on to
consider whether there was a public interest in retaining Mr Eady in the profession.
The panel decided that there was a limited public interest consideration in retaining Mr
Eady in the profession, it noted that no doubt had been cast upon his abilities as an
educator and therefore he is likely able to make a valuable contribution to the profession.
It however noted that it could only determine that any public interest in retaining him in
the profession was minimal, given the limited information that had been provided to it and
also, due to the fact that Mr Eady had not spent long within the teaching profession.
The panel considered carefully the seriousness of the behaviour, noting that the Advice
states that the expectation of both the public and pupils, is that members of the teaching
profession maintain an exemplary level of integrity and ethical standards at all times.
In view of the clear public interest considerations that were present, the panel considered
carefully whether or not it would be proportionate to impose a prohibition order, taking
into account the effect that this would have on Mr Eady.
The panel took further account of the Advice, which suggests that a prohibition order may
be appropriate if certain behaviours of a teacher have been proved. In the list of such
behaviours, those that were relevant in this case were:
• serious departure from the personal and professional conduct elements of the
Teachers’ Standards;
• the commission of a serious criminal offence, including those that resulted in a
conviction or caution, paying particular attention to offences that are ‘relevant
matters’ for the purposes of the Police Act 1997 and criminal record disclosures;
• sexual misconduct,
• dishonesty and a lack of integrity
Even though some of the behaviour found proved in this case indicated that a prohibition
order would be appropriate, the panel went on to consider the mitigating factors.
Mitigating factors may indicate that a prohibition order would not be appropriate or
proportionate.
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In the light of the panel’s findings, it considered that it had seen no evidence that Mr
Eady’s actions were not deliberate. It noted that he had referred to being heavily
intoxicated during the incident that led to his conviction, however it did not consider this
meant that his actions were accidental.
The panel also saw no evidence that Mr Eady was acting under duress.
The panel noted that Mr Eady did have a previously good history, however it was unable
to comment further with regard to his contributions to the education sector, having been
provided with limited information in this regard.
The panel also considered that Mr Eady was remorseful and that his remorse was
reflected in the fact that he had apologised to Person A the day after the incident. He also
appeared remorseful within his communications with the TRA that it had seen, noting that
he stated that he “should never work in teaching again” in an email. The panel
considered that this was reflective of him having some limited insight.
The panel first considered whether it would be proportionate to conclude this case with
no recommendation of prohibition, considering whether the publication of the findings
made by the panel would be sufficient.
The panel was of the view that, applying the standard of the ordinary intelligent citizen, it
would not be a proportionate and appropriate response to recommend no prohibition
order. Recommending that the publication of adverse findings would be sufficient would
unacceptably compromise the public interest considerations present in this case, despite
the severity of the consequences for Mr Eady of prohibition.
The panel was of the view that prohibition was both proportionate and appropriate. The
panel decided that the public interest considerations outweighed the interests of Mr Eady.
The nature of the conviction that he received, and his dishonest conduct were significant
factors in forming that opinion. Accordingly, the panel made a recommendation to the
Secretary of State that a prohibition order should be imposed with immediate effect.
The panel went on to consider whether or not it would be appropriate for it to decide to
recommend a review period of the order. The panel was mindful that the Advice states
that a prohibition order applies for life, but there may be circumstances, in any given
case, that may make it appropriate to allow a teacher to apply to have the prohibition
order reviewed after a specified period of time that may not be less than 2 years.
The Advice indicates that there are certain types of case where, if relevant, the public
interest will have greater relevance and weigh in favour of not offering a review period.
None of the listed characteristics were engaged by the panel’s findings
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The panel noted that the conviction pertained to an incident of sexual touching, it
however did not consider that this was concordant with the characteristic of “serious
sexual misconduct” as found within the Advice. Notably, Mr Eady received a community
order, which was in the lowest range of potential sentences for the offence which was
therefore indicative of his conduct not reaching the very high level of seriousness. It also
considered that the context was relevant; whilst the conduct that led to his conviction was
inexcusable, it amounted to a single instance of touching, whilst he was intoxicated and
outside of the education environment, at a party. It accordingly did not consider that the
necessary threshold had been reached.
The Advice also indicates that there are certain other types of cases where it is likely that
the public interest will have greater relevance and weigh in favour of a longer period
before a review is considered appropriate.
One of these is:
• fraud or serious dishonesty;
The panel noted that as with its previous findings, Mr Eady’s conduct did amount to fraud
or serious dishonesty. It however was sure to consider the question of dishonesty in a
nuanced manner. It determined that the dishonesty was neither at the highest end of the
spectrum, nor the lowest, and considered it to be a moderate level of dishonesty,
because it went on for an extended period of time. It also considered that the fact that Mr
Eady subsequently made full and frank admissions after being charged by the police,
was further indication that this was a moderate level of dishonesty, rather than being
towards the more serious end of the spectrum.
As above, the panel noted that Mr Eady had shown some limited insight into his actions,
though it considered that his insight was not yet fully-formed as he did not appear to
properly appreciate the impact of his actions. It also again took his remorse and
apologetic nature into consideration. In the circumstances, it did not consider that there
was a serious risk of repetition in relation to Mr Eady’s conduct, but that further reflection
appeared necessary for him to properly recognise the severity of his conduct and its
impact upon others.
The panel decided that the findings indicated a situation in which a review period would
be appropriate and, as such, decided that it would be proportionate, in all the
circumstances, for the prohibition order to be recommended with provisions for a review
period.
The panel considered that a review period of 5 years was appropriate and proportionate
in the circumstances. It noted that whilst Mr Eady had shown some insight, a review
period of 5 years would properly reflect the lack of consideration that had been
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demonstrated. It additionally considered that a review period of 5 years was
proportionate to address the concerns pertaining to Mr Eady’s conviction for a sexual
offence, and also, his moderate level of dishonesty.
The panel accordingly makes a recommendation to the Secretary of State that a
prohibition order be imposed, with a provision that it may not be reviewed for 5 years.
Decision and reasons on behalf of the Secretary of State
I have given very careful consideration to this case and to the recommendation of the
panel in respect of both sanction and review period.
In considering this case, I have also given very careful attention to the Advice that the
Secretary of State has published concerning the prohibition of teachers.
In this case, the panel has found all of the allegations proven and found that those
proven facts amount to unacceptable professional conduct, conduct that may bring the
profession into disrepute and a relevant conviction.
The panel has made a recommendation to the Secretary of State that Mr Samuel Eady
should be the subject of a prohibition order, with a review period of five years.
In particular, the panel has found that Mr Eady is in breach of the following standards:
• Teachers must have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and
practices of the school in which they teach,
• Teachers must have an understanding of, and always act within, the statutory
frameworks which set out their professional duties and responsibilities.
• Teachers uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of
ethics and behaviour, within and outside school, by
o not undermining fundamental British values…, the rule of law, individual
liberty and mutual respect
The panel finds that the conduct of Mr Eady fell significantly short of the standards
expected of the profession.
The findings of misconduct are particularly serious as they include a finding of a
conviction of a sexual offence, and also that he was subsequently dishonest with his
employer.
I have to determine whether the imposition of a prohibition order is proportionate and in
the public interest. In considering that for this case, I have considered the overall aim of a
prohibition order which is to protect pupils and to maintain public confidence in the
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profession. I have considered the extent to which a prohibition order in this case would
achieve that aim taking into account the impact that it will have on the individual teacher.
I have also asked myself, whether a less intrusive measure, such as the published
finding of unacceptable professional conduct, conduct likely to bring the profession into
disrepute, and relevant conviction, would itself be sufficient to achieve the overall aim. I
have to consider whether the consequences of such a publication are themselves
sufficient. I have considered therefore whether or not prohibiting Mr Eady, and the impact
that will have on the teacher, is proportionate and in the public interest.
In this case, I have considered the extent to which a prohibition order would safeguard
pupils. The panel has observed, “The panel noted that Mr Eady’s actions were relevant to
teaching, working with children and working in an education setting” and that “The panel
noted that the behaviour involved in committing the offence could have had an impact on
the safety and/or security of members of the public.”
A prohibition order would therefore prevent such a risk from being present in the future.
I have also taken into account the panel’s comments on insight and remorse, which the
panel sets out as follows, “The panel also considered that Mr Eady was remorseful and
that his remorse was reflected in the fact that he had apologised to Person A the day
after the incident. He also appeared remorseful within his communications with the TRA
that it had seen, noting that he stated that he “should never work in teaching again” in an
email. The panel considered that this was reflective of him having some limited insight.”
In my judgement, the lack of full insight means that there is some risk of the repetition of
this behaviour, and this puts at risk the future wellbeing of pupils. I have therefore given
this element considerable weight in reaching my decision.
I have gone on to consider the extent to which a prohibition order would maintain public
confidence in the profession. The panel observe, “The panel considered that Mr Eady’s
behaviour in committing the offence could affect public confidence in the teaching
profession, given the influence that teachers may have on pupils, parents and others in
the community.” I am particularly mindful of the findings of dishonesty and a conviction of
a sexual offence in this case and the impact that such a finding has on the reputation of
the profession.
I have had to consider that the public has a high expectation of professional standards of
all teachers and that the public might regard a failure to impose a prohibition order as a
failure to uphold those high standards. In weighing these considerations, I have had to
consider the matter from the point of view of an “ordinary intelligent and well-informed
citizen.”
I have considered whether the publication of a finding of unacceptable professional
conduct, conduct likely to bring the profession into disrepute, and a relevant conviction, in
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the absence of a prohibition order, can itself be regarded by such a person as being a
proportionate response to the misconduct that has been found proven in this case.
I have also considered the impact of a prohibition order on Mr Eady himself. The panel
comment “The panel noted that Mr Eady did have a previously good history, however it
was unable to comment further with regard to his contributions to the education sector,
having been provided with limited information in this regard.”
A prohibition order would prevent Mr Eady from teaching. A prohibition order would also
clearly deprive the public of his contribution to the profession for the period that it is in
force.
In this case, I have placed considerable weight on the panel’s comments concerning the
lack of full insight or remorse.
I have also placed considerable weight on the finding of the panel that Mr Eady was
dishonest with his employer by not informing them he was subject of a police
investigation.
I have given less weight in my consideration of sanction therefore, to the contribution that
Mr Eady has made to the profession. In my view, it is necessary to impose a prohibition
order in order to maintain public confidence in the profession. A published decision, in
light of the circumstances in this case, that is not backed up by full remorse or insight,
does not in my view satisfy the public interest requirement concerning public confidence
in the profession.
For these reasons, I have concluded that a prohibition order is proportionate and in the
public interest in order to achieve the intended aims of a prohibition order.
I have gone on to consider the matter of a review period. In this case, the panel has
recommended a five-year review period.
I have considered the panel’s comments,
“The panel went on to consider whether or not it would be appropriate for it to
decide to recommend a review period of the order. The panel was mindful that the
Advice states that a prohibition order applies for life, but there may be
circumstances, in any given case, that may make it appropriate to allow a teacher
to apply to have the prohibition order reviewed after a specified period of time that
may not be less than 2 years.
The Advice indicates that there are certain types of case where, if relevant, the
public interest will have greater relevance and weigh in favour of not offering a
review period.
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None of the listed characteristics were engaged by the panel’s findings
The panel noted that the conviction pertained to an incident of sexual touching, it
however did not consider that this was concordant with the characteristic of
“serious sexual misconduct” as found within the Advice. Notably, Mr Eady received
a community order, which was in the lowest range of potential sentences for the
offence which was therefore indicative of his conduct not reaching the very high
level of seriousness. It also considered that the context was relevant; whilst the
conduct that led to his conviction was inexcusable, it amounted to a single
instance of touching, whilst he was intoxicated and outside of the education
environment, at a party. It accordingly did not consider that the necessary
threshold had been reached.”
The Advice also indicates that there are certain other types of cases where it is
likely that the public interest will have greater relevance and weigh in favour of a
longer period before a review is considered appropriate.
One of these is:
• fraud or serious dishonesty;”
The panel has also said that a five-year review period “…was appropriate and
proportionate in the circumstances. It noted that whilst Mr Eady had shown some insight,
a review period of 5 years would properly reflect the lack of consideration that had been
demonstrated. It additionally considered that a review period of 5 years was
proportionate to address the concerns pertaining to Mr Eady’s conviction for a sexual
offence, and also, his moderate level of dishonesty.”
I have considered whether a five-year review period reflects the seriousness of the
findings and is a proportionate period to achieve the aim of maintaining public confidence
in the profession. I am of the view that the factors in this case mean that a five-year
review period is not sufficient to achieve the aim of maintaining public confidence in the
profession. These elements are the seriousness of the conduct, the finding of dishonesty
and the lack of full insight and remorse.
I consider therefore that an eight-year review period is required to satisfy the
maintenance of public confidence in the profession.
This means that Mr Samuel Eady is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and
cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or
children’s home in England. He may apply for the prohibition order to be set aside, but
not until 7 May 2034, eight years from the date of this order at the earliest. This is not an
automatic right to have the prohibition order removed. If he does apply, a panel will meet
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OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE
to consider whether the prohibition order should be set aside. Without a successful
application, Mr Eady remains prohibited from teaching indefinitely.
This order takes effect from the date on which it is served on the teacher.
Mr Eady has a right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days from the date he is given
notice of this order.
Decision maker: Stuart Blomfield
Date: 29 April 2026
This decision is taken by the decision maker named above on behalf of the Secretary of
State.
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