A former physical education teacher at Llandovery College in Wales has resigned after a disciplinary hearing investigated allegations of inappropriate conduct with students.

Investigation into Professional Boundaries

Lowri Williams, 27, resigned from her £48,000-a-year position amidst an investigation into claims she failed to maintain professional boundaries. The Education Workforce Council (EWC) hearing detailed incidents occurring between September 2023 and March 2024, at the school, during a rugby tournament in London, and at matches in Cardiff and Brecon.

Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior

The allegations against Ms. Williams include displaying inappropriate behavior towards pupils, specifically showing them her underwear and discussing personal relationships. Pupil E testified to an instance where Ms. Williams was folding clothes, including underwear, in a hotel room while students were present, leading to a conversation about relationships.

Further claims suggest Ms. Williams encouraged a student to deceive a housemistress and allowed students access to her hotel room, even answering the door while not fully dressed. She is also accused of inquiring about students’ romantic lives and sharing personal details about her own social life.

Concerns Over Student Safety

Serious concerns were also raised regarding student safety during rugby matches. Ms. Williams allegedly disregarded established safety protocols by allowing pupils to continue playing after sustaining head injuries at a tournament in London.

Simon Bodley, the former medical centre manager, testified that the usual injury reporting procedure was not followed, resulting in five girls presenting with injuries, including head injuries, after the Rosslyn Park tournament. Pupil F reported being kicked in the head and feeling pressured to continue playing despite her injury.

Internal Investigation and Resignation

The school initiated an internal investigation led by former deputy head Johanna Edwards, focusing on the alleged failure to properly report injuries. Ms. Williams tendered her resignation during this investigation.

Positive Relationships Acknowledged

Despite the serious allegations, evidence presented also highlighted Ms. Williams’ positive relationships with students. A colleague described her as dedicated, humorous, and prioritizing the well-being of the girls. A video of students singing cheerfully on a minibus was shown as evidence.

Ongoing Hearing

The EWC panel is tasked with determining whether Ms. Williams’ actions constituted unacceptable professional misconduct. The hearing is ongoing, and the panel will weigh the evidence presented to reach a conclusion. The nine allegations represent a significant breach of trust and raise questions about professional conduct in education.