Neil Butler, who taught at Orwell Park School, has been given an indefinite ban on working as a teacher. He’s most known for his heinous sexual offences against minors, starting as early as the mid-1990s. The announcement follows his conviction at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday. He was convicted of one count of gross indecency and three counts of indecent assault against a female child under 14.
The case against Butler started with complaints he caused in October 2021. These allegations brought to light horrific events that had taken place during his employment at Rose Hill School, a private, boarding school in Alderly, Cotswolds. The school has since closed. The victim, who was a student at the time of the abuse, said the abuse that took place on campus facilities was immediately reported. All of the above occurred while on a school pilgrimage.
As a consequence of these convictions, Butler was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a period of 10 years. Furthermore, he was ordered to pay £10,000 in restitution to the victim.
Butler’s employment with Orwell Park School ultimately ended in July 2022, even as the still-unresolved criminal allegations against him continued. The Teacher Regulation Agency (TRA) stated that Butler’s actions were particularly troubling, noting that “these actions relate to activity on a school trip and on the school premises.”
In their report, the TRA commented on the severity of Butler’s behaviour. “Mr Butler’s behaviour ultimately led to a sentence of imprisonment, albeit that it was suspended, which was indicative of the seriousness of the offences.”
The case has attracted national attention and raised alarming questions about child welfare in our schools. The open-ended ban prevents Butler from teaching in any public or private school, youth residential facility, or children’s home. This public action prevents him from being able to expose any greater risk to children.
Authorities still insist it’s vital to protect children in school settings—especially from dangers on the internet. This case exemplifies our commitment to accountability for personal conduct. We are dedicated to ensuring that nothing like this ever occurs again.
