Teacher James Thomas banned indefinitely from profession
Tribunal found misconduct involving pupils at schools in Surbiton and Chichester.
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James Thomas, a 34-year-old teacher, has been indefinitely banned from the teaching profession by a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) tribunal. The decision, made in August 2026, followed findings of unacceptable professional conduct related to sexual misconduct involving pupils at schools in Surbiton and Chichester.
Tribunal findings
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The TRA panel determined that Thomas engaged in sexual misconduct with pupils. Specific findings detailed in the panel's report included instances of kissing, touching, and forcing a pupil to perform oral sex on multiple occasions. Thomas also made inappropriate comments and touched a pupil's body, stating 'if only you were 16 we could have sex'. The panel noted that while most alleged incidents occurred outside school hours, Thomas had exploited his position and access to students for his own gratification and to pursue relationships with children.
The tribunal's report also outlined instances of flirtatious behaviour, sexual innuendoes, and unwanted physical contact with another pupil. Thomas was found to have pursued a sexual relationship with this pupil after she turned 16. The panel concluded that Thomas's conduct was entirely unacceptable for a teacher and constituted serious sexual misconduct, which had significant, long-term negative effects on the children involved.
Decision and police action
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Stuart Blomfield, acting on behalf of Education Secretary Lucy Powell, imposed the indefinite ban on Thomas. Police investigations into Thomas's conduct with the pupils involved were dropped. Thomas did not participate in the tribunal proceedings.
Questions this report answers
+Why has James Thomas been banned from teaching?
James Thomas has been banned indefinitely from teaching due to unacceptable professional conduct. A Teaching Regulation Agency tribunal found he engaged in sexual misconduct with pupils at schools in Surbiton and Chichester.
+What specific misconduct was found?
The tribunal found that James Thomas kissed and touched pupils, forced one to perform oral sex, and made inappropriate sexual comments. These actions were deemed to exploit his professional role for personal gratification.
+Were there any criminal proceedings against James Thomas?
No, police investigations into James Thomas's conduct with the pupils were dropped. The ban from teaching was imposed by a professional tribunal, not as a result of criminal charges.
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