A former brass band player and conductor has been barred from the teaching profession after a disciplinary panel found he had been "engaging in sexual activity with a child".

More likely than not

It has been reported on the 'Bury Times' website that Matthew Hindle, aged 36, was struck off following a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) hearing last month. It had concluded that he, "failed to maintain proper boundaries" and found it "more likely than not" that he engaged in a sexual relationship with the child between 2018 and 2019.

Hindle was a teacher at Tottington High School in Bury but left his post in April 2019 to take up a post at Oulder Hill Leadership Academy in Rochdale. He resigned from the role in July 2022 following a compliant from a member of the public that led to an investigation by his employer.

Hindle was the conductor of Dobcross Youth Band from 2016 to 2019. He was subsequently appointed MD of Slaithwaite Band in October 2019 and was MD at Sale Brass. His conducting association with the bands ended some time ago. He last conducted at a brass band competition in March 2020.

No remorse

The panel concluded that his behaviour represented a serious breach of trust, was "harmful" to the pupil, and that it amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and behaviour likely to bring the profession into disrepute.

The panel stated that Hindle showed "no insight or remorse", and there was "a risk of repetition".

The findings of misconduct are particularly serious as they include a finding of engaging in sexual activity with a childSecretary of State

Permanent band

Bridget Phillipson, the Secretary of State for Education, accepted the findings, issuing a prohibition order with no right to review. Hindle is permanently banned from teaching in any school, college, sixth form or children's home in England.

In confirming the decision, the Secretary of State stated: "The panel finds that the conduct of Mr Hindle fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession. The findings of misconduct are particularly serious as they include a finding of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

The panel is not satisfied that Mr Hindle has shown insight or remorse into his actions.

In view of the seriousness of the allegations found proved against him, I have decided that Mr Hindle shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach."

Report

News report: https://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/25566327.former-bury-teacher-engaged-sexual-activity-child/#