A former physical education teacher at Healing Academy in Grimsby has been banned from the profession indefinitely. This decision comes after its revelation of having allegedly fostered inappropriate relationships with two former students. Mr. Phillips taught at the secondary school from July 2016 until its closure in July 2022. In doing so he breached professional standards and safeguarding guidance in his direct engagement with ex-students, known as A and B.
The disciplinary board found that Mr. Phillips created unhealthy connections with each of the students after they left campus. Yet in the final months of his time at Healing Academy, his behavior changed noticeably and quickly. This resulted in a slew of messages that most people found sexually harassing and offensive. The panel noted that Mr. Phillips had “spoken to and repeatedly and persistently corresponded via email, Instagram, and Snapchat” with the former pupils.
Significant and concerning information that highlighted the nature of Mr. Phillips’ interactions was brought to light through evidence presented during the hearing. He received at least one explicit photograph from Pupil B and asked her, “Am I going to make the first move, or are you?” He attempted to arrange a meeting with her. In one of his missives, he referred to her as “my little secret.” These sorts of comments and actions raised alarming questions about his workplace behavior.
Mr. Phillips’ actions towards Pupil A further caused alarm. He groped minors, made assorted sexual comments and sent one such minor at least one explicit photo of himself. In exchange, he demanded photos of them. He made lewd and racist hand gestures. For example, he performed secret winks with Pupil B during revision classes since her time at the academy was drawing to a close.
Following Pupil B’s exit from Healing Academy, she was emailed by Mr. Phillips. That added an allegation of “something flirty” that greatly increased the panel’s fear over his behavior. The panel found convincing evidence that Mr. Phillips was sexually active with Pupil B. Their findings should have made him ineligible to continue on.
Perhaps most strikingly, Mr. Phillips chose not to show up for the hearing to argue against the case being laid out against him. The decision-maker, Sarah Buxcey, on behalf of the education secretary, eventually decided to ban him from teaching indefinitely.
The Harbour Learning Trust—the trust that governs Healing Academy—said in a statement after the incident that it placed “the utmost importance on the safety of our students.”
“Harbour Learning Trust does not condone behaviour that compromises the well-being, trust, or safety of our students in any way.” – Harbour Learning Trust
The trust emphasized that it is “committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all of our students and expects all our staff to share this unwavering commitment.” They recognized that their former CEO and headteacher handled the crisis quickly and effectively. Their willingness to work with the investigation was dispositive to that process.
