Five educators from schools across the West Midlands have been permanently barred from teaching after a series of serious misconduct allegations were proven against them.
Serious Breaches of Trust Lead to Indefinite Bans
The cases, heard by the government's Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) throughout 2025, involved inappropriate conduct ranging from sexual communication to physical altercations with students. Each teacher faced a professional conduct panel, which resulted in an indefinite prohibition order, preventing them from working in any school or children's home in England.
Details of the Cases and Proven Allegations
Dale Millar-Evans, a 35-year-old PE teacher from Bells Farm Primary School in Birmingham, was banned after sending sexual messages to undercover police officers posing as 13-year-old girls. The panel heard that in July 2023, he called one officer "babe" and asked about her sexual experiences, continuing contact even after acknowledging her age. He claimed his actions were not sexually motivated, but the panel ruled he was seeking sexual gratification. He was arrested in September 2023 and resigned in March 2024. The Crown Prosecution Service did not bring charges due to insufficient evidence.
Georgia Lowe, a 27-year-old trainee teacher at Kingsmead School in Hednesford, Staffordshire, was banned for sending pictures of herself in her underwear to a 15-year-old boy. She engaged in late-night, flirty messaging with the pupil, using nicknames and telling him to "make me proud." The boy's mother discovered the messages. Despite being suspended, Lowe continued to contact the pupil. She resigned in November 2021 and did not attend her July 2025 hearing.
Nano Opong, the 56-year-old head of computer science at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, was banned for making inappropriate comments to a female pupil and threatening to blackmail her. He told the girl he called her "Princess" behind her back and commented on her "child-like qualities" and appearance. He also refused to delete photos she had sent him. The pupil reported him in September 2023 after leaving the school. He admitted unacceptable professional conduct and was banned indefinitely, though he can apply for a review in April 2028.
Christopher Small, a 35-year-old teacher from Nicholas Chamberlaine School in Bedworth, Warwickshire, was banned after getting drunk while in charge of students on a residential trip. Witnesses reported slurred speech and concerning behaviour, culminating in him barricading himself in a room. The panel also found he had fabricated stories about a drink-driving conviction to gain employment at a Leicestershire college.
Michael Clark, a 46-year-old teacher from Lyng Hall School in Coventry, was banned for a catalogue of misconduct, including making sexualised comments about a pupil's mother, swearing in front of children, and engaging in 'playfighting' that involved grabbing a child's arm. He was also found to have fallen asleep during lessons. The TRA stated he had a "deep-seated attitude that led to harmful behaviour." He was sacked in December 2022.
Regulatory Action and School Responses
In all cases, the Teaching Regulation Agency concluded that the teachers' actions amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and breached the Teachers' Standards. Decision-maker Sarah Buxcey, acting for the Education Secretary in Millar-Evans's case, emphasised the public interest in safeguarding pupils.
Schools involved acted promptly upon discovering the allegations. A spokesperson for Lyng Hall School stated that the safety of pupils was the priority, leading to immediate suspension, dismissal, and a referral to the TRA upon concluding their internal investigation.
These bans underscore the stringent regulatory framework governing the teaching profession and the serious consequences for those who violate the fundamental trust placed in them.
