Carshalton College teacher sex probe (From Sutton Guardian)

Carshalton College teacher sex probe

7:40am Thursday 18th December 2008

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A Sutton college is investigating claims two teachers were caught having sex in a classroom by a student.

The Carshalton College teachers were caught in the act after they “sloped off’’ during a staff awards ceremony last Thursday by the student, it is alleged.

It is claimed the pair, believed to be married to other people, were then caught a second time in a different room by a teacher.

Principal David Watkins said he ordered two senior members of staff to carry out an investigation after hearing the allegations.

But speaking to the Sutton Guardian, a concerned member of staff said the incident was “totally unacceptable’’ and feared it would be “swept under the carpet’’.

The staff member claimed: “It is absolutely inappropriate. These teachers were caught having sexual intercourse by a student and then in another classroom by a staff member. They should know better.

“It just infuriates me when we have open evenings or parent teacher nights and we are meant to create a good impression and gain trust, but really these sorts of things are going on.

“It just turns my stomach. I don’t believe it is being dealt with properly, rather just swept under the carpet.’’ Carshalton College, which offers a strongly vocational curriculum, had 4,300 students in 2007/08, of which 1,500 were full-time students aged 16 to 18 and 720 full-time adults.

Principal Mr Watkins said he was surprised the allegations had been raised with the media and said the college had procedures where staff, students or members of the public could raise concerns.

He said once he had considered the report, he would decide what action to take.

He said: “I can tell you that I firmly believe that our students are entitled to be taught and supported by members of staff who are professional and who set a good example.

“I can assure you that in the rare event that these standards are found to be compromised, the college does take swift and robust action.

“In these circumstances, the college will always investigate and take firm action where this is warranted.”

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