Former Swindon teacher had sex with pupil at teen's family home
A teacher has been banned from the profession after admitting to a six-month sexual relationship with a pupil 25 years ago.Helen Flinders, 55, was working at St Joseph's School in Swindon when she kissed the student at another teacher's house following sports day, leading to regular sexual encounters at the student's house throughout 2000.The incident came to light in 2011 while Ms Flinders was employed at another school, from which she resigned a few months later.Wiltshire Police said no action was taken due to legislation at the time.
Giving evidence at a professional conduct hearing, Ms Flinders said: "During July 2000, I went for a drink with Pupil A after sports day. "We then went to another teacher's house. I asked Pupil A for a kiss goodbye. He kissed me and it was consensual."She explained a "consensual sexual relationship" then began.The pupil said: "During the summer, my parents worked during the day and were out of the house, so they were not aware that our relationship had progressed to a sexual relationship."The pupil ended the relationship in December 2000.
Rumours confirmed
Ms Flinders left St Joseph's in March 2002 and started working as an art teacher at Churchfields school in September 2002.In 2011, the pupil was asked about the rumours of their relationship and confirmed it to someone whose relative worked as head of art at Churchfields School, leading to the police investigation. Ms Flinders resigned and did not return to teaching.A referral was made to the Teaching Regulation Agency in March 2022.
The Abuse of Position of Trust legislation, making it an offence for anyone over 18 to have sexual intercourse with a younger person if they are in a position of trust over them, was not enacted until 8 January 2001.This was weeks after the sexual relationship ceased, so no further action was taken by the police. During the hearing, the pupil agreed the relationship was consensual, stating he never felt taken advantage of and did "not hold any bad feelings toward her".In a witness statement, Ms Flinders apologised to the pupil, adding: "I hope the process for him of reliving these events have not harmed him in any way. "I hope he can move forward in a positive light."The panel said she "seriously breached the teacher pupil boundary, abused her position of trust and failed to protect the safety and well-being of Pupil A", banning her from teaching for life.
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