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Ms Leanne Grove:
Professional conduct
panel meeting outcome
Panel decision and reasons on behalf of the
Secretary of State for Education
October 2025
2
Contents
Introduction 3
Allegations 4
Summary of evidence 4
Documents 4
Statement of agreed facts 5
Decision and reasons 5
Findings of fact 6
Panel’s recommendation to the Secretary of State 9
Decision and reasons on behalf of the Secretary of State 13
3
Professional conduct panel meeting decision and recommendations, and decision
on behalf of the Secretary of State
Teacher: Ms Leanne Grove
Teacher ref number: 0159730
Teacher date of birth: 29 May 1981
TRA reference: 22081
Date of determination: 22 October 2025
Former employer: Hazeldene School, Bedford
Introduction
A professional conduct panel (“the panel”) of the Teaching Regulation Agency (“the
TRA”) convened on 22 October 2025 by way of a virtual meeting, to consider the case of
Ms Leanne Grove.
The panel members were Mr Richard Young (lay panellist – in the chair), Dr Andrew
Harries (lay panellist) and Mrs Georgina Bean (teacher panellist).
The legal adviser to the panel was Mr Delme Griffiths of Blake Morgan LLP 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 Ms Grove that the allegations be
considered without a hearing. Ms Grove provided a signed statement of agreed facts
and admitted unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the
profession into disrepute. The panel considered the case at a meeting without the
attendance of the presenting officer, Ms Grove or any representative.
The meeting took place in private.
4
Allegations
The panel considered the allegations set out in the notice of meeting dated 9 October
2025.
It was alleged that Ms Grove was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and/or
conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute, in that:
1. She stored alcohol in the Headteacher’s office when she was not permitted
to do so.
2. She stored or had in her possession or under her control alcohol on the
School premises, namely:
a. In room(s) which were used by SEND pupils,
b. In open containers,
c. In unlocked cupboards.
3. On or around 1 March 2023, she:
a. Brought alcohol onto the School premises when she was not
permitted to do so;
b. Attended School on a working day when she had consumed
alcohol.
Ms Grove admitted the facts of the allegations and that her conduct, as admitted,
amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the
profession into disrepute.
Summary of evidence
Documents
In advance of the hearing, the panel received a bundle of documents which included:
Section 1: Chronology, anonymised pupil list and list of key people – pages 4 to 6
Section 2: Notice of referral, response and Notice of Meeting – pages 7 to 33(b)
Section 3: Statement of agreed facts and presenting officer representations – pages 46
to 52
Section 4: Teaching Regulation Agency witness statements – pages 53 to 73 5
Section 4: Teaching Regulation Agency documents – pages 74 to 106
Section 5: Teacher documents – pages 107
In addition, the panel was presented with two video recordings listed as part of the case
documents.
The panel members confirmed that they had read all of the papers within the bundle, in
advance of the hearing and viewed the video recordings.
In the consideration of this case, the panel had regard to the document Teacher
misconduct: Disciplinary procedures for the teaching profession (the “Procedures”).
Statement of agreed facts
The panel considered a statement of agreed facts which was signed by Ms Grove on 24
September 2025.
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 Ms Grove 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.
In this instance, the panel was mindful of the fact that Ms Grove had made various
assertions, in her statement dated 24 September 2025, that were not supported by
independent evidence. For example, Ms Grove referred to support she had received in
relation to her [REDACTED]. The panel considered that it was therefore possible that
there was information available that would better inform its decision-making.
However, the panel took into account that Ms Grove had expressly requested a meeting.
She had confirmed she had moved on in terms of her career and had no desire to return
to teaching. Ms Grove had every opportunity to present any and all information relevant
to her case.
Further, Ms Grove had expressly indicated, in her initial response to the TRA, that she
did not intend to attend any hearing that may be held. 6
On balance, the panel therefore determined that it was not necessary or appropriate to
direct that the case be considered at a hearing.
The panel proceeded to consider the case. It had regard to all of the documentation
presented and it accepted the legal advice provided.
Ms Grove was previously employed as the headteacher of Hazeldene School (“the
School”). Ms Grove was in that role from 1 January 2020 until 31 May 2023, when she
resigned.
On 2 March 2023, concerns arose in relation to Ms Grove when a teaching assistant
discovered a handbag near to Ms Grove’s desk, which contained one empty and one
unopened can of gin and tonic. Further reports were made regarding Ms Grove’s
presentation the previous day, 1 March 2023.
These concerns were reported, by the School’s assistant headteacher, to the Vice Chair
of Governors and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
On 3 March 2023, Ms Grove was suspended from duties at the School and a search was
undertaken of her office.
A formal investigation was undertaken leading to a report dated 23 May 2023.
Ms Grove was subsequently referred to the TRA.
Findings of fact
The findings of fact are as follows:
1. You stored alcohol in the Headteacher’s office when you were not permitted
to do so.
Ms Grove admitted that she stored alcohol in her office, when this was not permitted and
she knew that to be the case.
On the basis of Ms Grove’s admission, which was consistent with the evidence presented
to the panel, albeit the panel was not presented with any written policy addressing the
presence of alcohol in the School, it found allegation 1 proved.
2. You stored or had in your possession or under your control alcohol on the
School premises, namely:
a. In room(s) which were used by SEND pupils,
b. In open containers,
c. In unlocked cupboards. 7
Ms Grove admitted particulars 2(a) to (c), specifically that:
• Her office was used for and by SEND pupils.
• Alcohol was stored in open containers within it.
• Alcohol was stored in unlocked cupboards.
• In principle, these matters meant alcohol could have been accessed and
consumed by persons using the office, including SEND pupils.
The panel noted in particular the video recordings of Ms Grove’s office in which various
alcoholic drinks were shown. There was clear and unchallenged evidence that SEND
pupils used the room.
On the basis of Ms Grove’s admission, which was consistent with the evidence presented
to the panel, it found allegations 2(a) to (c) proved.
3. On or around 1 March 2023, you:
a. Brought alcohol onto the School premises when you were not permitted
to do so;
b. Attended School on a working day when you had consumed alcohol.
Mr Grove admitted that, on or around 1 March 2023, she brought alcohol onto the
School’s premises when she was not permitted to do so. Ms Grove also admitted that
she was in attendance at the School having consumed alcohol.
No admission was made as to the precise quantity consumed.
The panel noted that in her written submission Ms Grove stated:
“In the weeks proceeding my suspension I admit that I did consume alcohol on the
premises - prior to a Governors meeting and after a parents evening. I did this in
my office when there were not pupils in school.”
On the basis of Ms Grove’s admissions, which were consistent with the evidence
presented to the panel, it found allegations 3(a) and (b) proved.
Findings as to unacceptable professional conduct and/or conduct that
may bring the profession into disrepute
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.
In doing so, the panel had regard to the document Teacher misconduct: The prohibition
of teachers, which is referred to as “the Advice”. 8
The panel first considered whether the conduct of Ms Grove, in relation to the facts found
proved, involved breaches of the Teachers’ Standards.
The panel considered that, by reference to Part 2, Ms Grove 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 having regard for the need to safeguard pupils’ well-being, in accordance
with statutory provisions
• 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 also considered whether Ms Grove’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.
However, the panel found that none of these offences was relevant.
In addition, Ms Grove held a position of trust and responsibility as a headteacher and
was required to be a role model to other staff and pupils.
It is inappropriate to bring onto, and consume, alcohol within a school environment other
than for specific, controlled and appropriate reasons: a large number of alcoholic drinks
were located in Ms Grove’s office, some opened and some not. This amounted to a
breach of her professional obligations, regardless of how much alcohol Ms Grove had
consumed.
There were also safeguarding and health and safety concerns given that, on the basis of
the evidence available, the panel considered that the possibility of a pupil accessing
alcohol was not remote. There was reference to the office occasionally being left
unlocked and pupils, particularly when they were distressed, regularly using it. In that
regard, Ms Grove showed a distinct lack of judgement. Even the presence of empty
drinks being potentially visible to pupils was a matter of concern.
For these reasons, the panel was satisfied that the conduct of Ms Grove amounted to
misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of
the profession. 9
Accordingly, the panel was satisfied that Ms Grove was guilty of unacceptable
professional conduct.
In relation to whether Ms Grove’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.
The findings of misconduct are serious, and the conduct displayed would be likely to
have a negative impact on Ms Grove’s status as a teacher and could potentially damage
the public’s perception of her.
For these reasons, the panel found that Ms Grove’s actions constituted conduct that may
bring the profession into disrepute.
Panel’s recommendation to the Secretary of State
Given the panel’s findings in respect of unacceptable professional conduct and conduct
that may bring the profession into disrepute, it was necessary for the panel 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;
• the maintenance of public confidence in the profession; and
• declaring and upholding proper standards of conduct.
In the light of the panel’s specific findings against Ms Grove, which included bringing and
retaining alcohol within the School environment where it was potentially accessible to and
seen by learners, and consuming alcohol prior to undertaking professional duties which
raised obvious questions as to her judgement, there was a broad public interest
consideration in respect of the safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils. 10
More pertinently, the panel considered that public confidence in the profession could be
seriously weakened if conduct such as that found against Ms Grove were not treated with
the utmost seriousness when regulating the conduct of the profession.
The panel was also 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 Ms Grove was outside that which could reasonably be tolerated. Not least, she
was a headteacher in a position of responsibility who was a role model to her staff and
pupils.
In addition to the public interest considerations set out above, the panel went on to
consider whether there was a public interest in retaining Ms Grove in the profession.
Ms Grove’s abilities as a classroom teacher had not been questioned and she had risen
to the position of headteacher, which was indicative of her being well regarded as an
educator. She had an otherwise unblemished record. However, whilst there was a public
interest element in retaining Ms Grove in the profession, that was not considered to be a
particularly strong consideration. There were no character references or testimonials
before the panel. Ms Grove’s future ambitions were also away from teaching such that
she had no present desire to return to the profession and contribute to it.
The panel also 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 Ms Grove.
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;
• misconduct seriously affecting the education and/or safeguarding and well-being
of pupils, and particularly where there is a continuing risk;
• abuse of position or trust (particularly involving pupils).
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. 11
Mitigating factors may indicate that a prohibition order would not be appropriate or
proportionate.
The panel considered the following mitigating factors were present in this case:
• Ms Grove had not been subject to any previous regulatory or disciplinary
proceedings. So far as the panel were aware, she had an otherwise unblemished
record.
• Whilst Ms Grove had not presented any references or testimonials, she had been
appointed as headteacher such that the panel proceeded from the basis that she
had contributed to the education sector and ought to be regarded as competent,
even if there was no evidence to indicate either element as exceptional.
• Ms Grove had engaged with these proceedings and made full admissions. She
was realistic in accepting that her actions amounted to unacceptable professional
conduct and conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute.
• Ms Grove showed regret and remorse. She also showed some insight,
recognising for example that she had “let down the whole school community”.
• Ms Grove evidenced a degree of self-awareness in relation to the circumstances
that led to her behaviour. [REDACTED].
• [REDACTED]
Whilst Ms Grove alluded to [REDACTED] at the relevant time, the panel had in mind that
there was no documentary evidence advanced to support her various assertions. That
was also the case in relation to the steps Ms Grove stated had been taken since to
remediate her behaviour.
As a result, the panel was only able to consider the extent to which these matters may
have mitigated her actions, at the time, and the extent to which the risk of repetition was,
now, reduced in speculative terms.
Against that backdrop, 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 Ms Grove of prohibition. 12
The panel was, therefore, of the view that prohibition was both proportionate and
appropriate. The panel decided that the public interest considerations outweighed the
interests of Ms Grove.
In arriving at that conclusion and in addition to the matters set out above, in terms of the
public interest considerations and behaviours engaged in this case, the panel took into
account that Ms Grove was an experienced practitioner who would, inevitably, have
known that her behaviour was inappropriate and wrong. Even if there was no evidence
that pupils had sight of, never mind consumed, alcohol, her actions presented obvious
risks. Ms Grove did not herself take steps to reduce that risk. Rather, her behaviour was
discovered. To that extent her behaviour was reckless. Had her behaviour not been
discovered, the panel could not be confident that Ms Grove would have been able to
regulate her own behaviour such that it may have continued unabated. That and the
potential risk to pupils had not been adequately addressed by Ms Grove.
Against that backdrop, whilst Ms Grove deserves credit for being candid in addressing
the triggers for her behaviour and seeking support, absent clear, independent evidence
regarding those issues, the panel could not be satisfied that Ms Grove presented no risk
of repetition. To that extent, the panel determined that whilst there was some evidence
of insight, this was emerging rather than complete.
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.
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.
None of the listed characteristics were engaged by the panel’s findings either.
The panel concluded that a review period of two years was appropriate and
proportionate. 13
Ms Grove appeared to take responsibility for her actions and evidenced regret and
remorse. Whilst her insight was emerging, the panel considered that it was certainly
possible that, in time and assuming there was no evidence of repeat behaviours, which
would need to be supported by appropriate references and testimonials, it was possible
that she would be able evidence that the circumstances and triggers that led to her
behaving in this way had been adequately addressed such that there was minimum risk
of repetition. At present, there was no evidence before the panel to support that
conclusion, both in terms of the issues she was experiencing at the time, as regards the
matters that caused her behaviour, and the support and any rehabilitative steps she
claimed to have undertaken since.
A period of two years will also allow for further reflection and will afford Ms Grove time
and opportunity, should she wish to do so, to take and provide evidence of any
rehabilitative steps and demonstrate that she has gained further insight into the nature,
effect and implications of her conduct.
In the view of the panel, a period beyond two years would be disproportionate and
punitive.
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 and conduct that may bring
the profession into disrepute.
The panel has made a recommendation to the Secretary of State that Ms Leanne Grove
should be the subject of a prohibition order, with a review period of two years.
In particular, the panel has found that Ms Grove is 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 having regard for the need to safeguard pupils’ well-being, in accordance
with statutory provisions
• Teachers must have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and
practices of the school in which they teach .... 14
• Teachers must have an understanding of, and always act within, the statutory
frameworks which set out their professional duties and responsibilities.
The panel finds that the conduct of Ms Grove fell significantly short of the standards
expected of the profession.
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
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 and conduct likely to bring the profession into
disrepute, 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 Ms Grove, 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 protect
children and safeguard pupils. The panel has observed:
“In the light of the panel’s specific findings against Ms Grove, which included
bringing and retaining alcohol within the School environment where it was
potentially accessible to and seen by learners, and consuming alcohol prior to
undertaking professional duties which raised obvious questions as to her
judgement, there was a broad public interest consideration in respect of the
safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils.”
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 has set out as follows
“Ms Grove showed regret and remorse. She also showed some insight,
recognising for example that she had “let down the whole school community”.”
“Ms Grove evidenced a degree of self-awareness in relation to the circumstances
that led to her behaviour.”
In particular, I have noted the panel’s assessment that Ms Grove’s insight was emerging
rather than complete. 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. 15
I have gone on to consider the extent to which a prohibition order would maintain public
confidence in the profession. The panel has observed:
“More pertinently, the panel considered that public confidence in the profession
could be seriously weakened if conduct such as that found against Ms Grove were
not treated with the utmost seriousness when regulating the conduct of the
profession.”
I am particularly mindful of the finding that Ms Grove had stored alcohol on school
premises and attended school when she had consumed alcohol, 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 and conduct likely to bring the profession into disrepute, in 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 Ms Grove herself. The panel
has commented:
“Ms Grove had not been subject to any previous regulatory or disciplinary
proceedings. So far as the panel were aware, she had an otherwise unblemished
record.”
“Whilst Ms Grove had not presented any references or testimonials, she had been
appointed as headteacher such that the panel proceeded from the basis that she
had contributed to the education sector and ought to be regarded as competent,
even if there was no evidence to indicate either element as exceptional.”
The panel has also noted that:
“Ms Grove’s future ambitions were also away from teaching such that she had no
present desire to return to the profession and contribute to it.”
A prohibition order would prevent Ms Grove from returning to teaching in the future. A
prohibition order would also clearly deprive the public of her contribution to the profession
for the period that it is in force. 16
In this case, I have placed considerable weight on the panel’s comments concerning the
potential risk posed to pupils by Ms Grove’s behaviour and the risk of repetition. The
panel has said:
“In arriving at that conclusion and in addition to the matters set out above, in terms
of the public interest considerations and behaviours engaged in this case, the
panel took into account that Ms Grove was an experienced practitioner who would,
inevitably, have known that her behaviour was inappropriate and wrong. Even if
there was no evidence that pupils had sight of, never mind consumed, alcohol, her
actions presented obvious risks. Ms Grove did not herself take steps to reduce
that risk. Rather, her behaviour was discovered. To that extent her behaviour was
reckless. Had her behaviour not been discovered, the panel could not be
confident that Ms Grove would have been able to regulate her own behaviour such
that it may have continued unabated. That and the potential risk to pupils had not
been adequately addressed by Ms Grove.”
“Against that backdrop, whilst Ms Grove deserves credit for being candid in
addressing the triggers for her behaviour and seeking support, absent clear,
independent evidence regarding those issues, the panel could not be satisfied that
Ms Grove presented no risk of repetition. To that extent, the panel determined
that whilst there was some evidence of insight, this was emerging rather than
complete.”
I have given less weight in my consideration of sanction therefore to the contribution that
Ms Grove 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 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 two-year review period.
I have considered the panel’s comments:
“Ms Grove appeared to take responsibility for her actions and evidenced regret
and remorse. Whilst her insight was emerging, the panel considered that it was
certainly possible that, in time and assuming there was no evidence of repeat
behaviours, which would need to be supported by appropriate references and
testimonials, it was possible that she would be able evidence that the
circumstances and triggers that led to her behaving in this way had been 17
adequately addressed such that there was minimum risk of repetition. At present,
there was no evidence before the panel to support that conclusion, both in terms
of the issues she was experiencing at the time, as regards the matters that caused
her behaviour, and the support and any rehabilitative steps she claimed to have
undertaken since.”
“A period of two years will also allow for further reflection and will afford Ms Grove
time and opportunity, should she wish to do so, to take and provide evidence of
any rehabilitative steps and demonstrate that she has gained further insight into
the nature, effect and implications of her conduct.”
I have considered whether a two-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. In this case, factors mean that I agree with the panel that allowing a
two-year review period is sufficient to achieve the aim of maintaining public confidence in
the profession. A two-year review period would enable Ms Grove to develop further
insight into her behaviour and to demonstrate that she has taken steps to mitigate the
risk of repeating that behaviour should she decide to return to the teaching profession.
I consider therefore that a two-year review period is required to satisfy the maintenance
of public confidence in the profession.
This means that Ms Leanne Grove is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and
cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or
children’s home in England. She may apply for the prohibition order to be set aside, but
not until 2027, two years from the date of this order at the earliest. This is not an
automatic right to have the prohibition order removed. If she does apply, a panel will
meet to consider whether the prohibition order should be set aside. Without a successful
application, Ms Grove remains prohibited from teaching indefinitely.
This order takes effect from the date on which it is served on the teacher.
Ms Leanne Grove has a right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days from the date
she is given notice of this order.
Decision maker: David Oatley
Date: 24 October 2025
18
This decision is taken by the decision maker named above on behalf of the Secretary of
State.
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