The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) has issued a prohibition order against James Thomas, 34, after a misconduct panel concluded he engaged in serious sexual misconduct while working as a teacher, including pursuing sexual relationships with former pupils and committing sexual assaults.
Panel finds pattern of predatory behaviour
The TRA panel, sitting in August, found that Mr Thomas used his position and access to pupils to initiate and pursue sexual relationships. The panel concluded he had kissed and touched one pupil, and forced another to perform oral sex on him on multiple occasions. The findings relate to incidents that occurred while Mr Thomas worked at several schools, including Shrewsbury House School in Surbiton, and while he was previously employed at Bedales School in Hampshire and a school in Chichester.
According to the report, Mr Thomas did not take part in the proceedings. The panel concluded his behaviour amounted to "unacceptable professional conduct" and that he had sought to take advantage of "his role and privileged access to students to further his own sexual gratification."
"If only you were 16 we could have sex"
The TRA's report says Mr Thomas used his personal phone to message a pupil he had met at another school while employed at Shrewsbury House. Messages included comments about the pupil's body and suggestions that sex would be possible if she were younger. The panel found that while at the pupil's home he kissed her neck and cheek and touched her chest and waist, and made sexually explicit remarks about her clothing and swimwear. The report also states he asked the pupil to conceal their relationship.
Allegations span several schools and include sexual assault
At Bedales, the panel found Mr Thomas acted flirtatiously towards another pupil, staring at her breasts and attempting to touch her clothes while making sexual innuendo. The report notes an instance where, after the pupil swore about a faulty computer, Mr Thomas replied with a comment interpreted as sexual.
More serious allegations were recorded from the pupil linked to the Chichester school. The panel found he kissed her repeatedly, touched her breasts, forced her to perform oral sex three times, attempted penetrative sex, and removed his clothes to join her uninvited in the shower, where he sexually assaulted her. The TRA determined these incidents constituted sexual assault and exploitation.
Local impact and safeguarding questions
The TRA prohibition is a regulatory sanction that prevents Mr Thomas from teaching in any state-maintained school, independent school, or non-maintained special school in England. For parents and local school communities in south London, the case is likely to raise concerns about recruitment checks, staff supervision and the boundaries of teacher contact with pupils.
- Schools named in the report: Shrewsbury House School (Surbiton), Bedales School (Hampshire), school in Chichester.
- Key findings: Unacceptable professional conduct, sexual assault, grooming and misuse of privileged access to pupils.
- Outcome: Prohibition from teaching issued by the TRA.
Local residents spoken to in Surbiton expressed alarm. One parent said they were "shocked and upset" that a teacher could carry out such behaviour while employed. Another called for clearer guidance and stronger oversight to ensure pupils are protected.
What the TRA decision means and next steps
The TRA's prohibition order is a civil regulatory action focused on protecting children and maintaining professional standards. It does not equate to a criminal conviction; the report does not state whether criminal investigations took place or resulted in charges. The teacher's decision not to engage with the TRA proceedings meant the panel reached its findings on the available evidence.
| Issue | TRA finding |
|---|---|
| Unacceptable conduct | Guilty |
| Sexual assault | Found to have occurred |
| Professional sanction | Prohibition from teaching |
For parents concerned about safeguarding, schools normally outline their child protection policies on their websites and through pastoral leads. Concerns about a member of staff should be raised immediately with the school's designated safeguarding lead; allegations involving criminal behaviour should also be reported to the police.
The TRA said the panel's decision aimed to protect children by ensuring Mr Thomas cannot work as a teacher in England. The case underscores ongoing tensions between the need for robust safeguarding systems in schools and the difficulties of addressing misconduct that may occur partly outside the school environment.
Local authorities and school governors carry responsibility for recruitment checks and for ensuring staff are properly supervised. The TRA's action will be recorded on the teachers' disciplinary database, preventing the individual from re-entering the profession without a successful appeal — if one is lodged and upheld — or a future application to the Secretary of State to lift the prohibition under very limited circumstances.
As this is a matter of significant concern for parents and school communities across south London, WE NEWS will continue to seek comment from the schools named in the TRA report and relevant local safeguarding bodies.
