Former Chadwell Heath Academy teacher banned from profession

Thomas Fulham, 33, formerly a science teacher at Chadwell Heath Academy, was arrested in March last year but after a three-month investigation police concluded no offence had been committed. 

On Wednesday, November 27 the Teaching Regulation Agency determined that Mr Fulham had committed serious misconduct and banned him from the profession. 

Over the course of a month last year, he exchanged 166 emails with a pupil on his work and personal email accounts. 

As well as other inappropriate comments he told her “I love you”, “I am here for you no matter what”, “I am never letting you go and won’t let you push me away”. 

Mr Fulham sent an email which said: “Don’t know if this needs saying but delete all the emails as soon as you send/receive them and delete them from your trash as well. Also let me know if you don’t want me to reply.” 

The TRA misconduct hearing deliberated over whether Mr Fulham’s behaviour was motivated by a desire to form a future sexual relationship with the pupil. 

Mr Fulham denied this and a misconduct panel concluded that there was insufficient evidence to suggest his actions were sexually motivated. 

The panel described Mr Fulham as forming an “emotionally dependent relationship” with the pupil. 

Decision maker Sarah Buxcey made a prohibition order banning him from teaching in England. 

He can apply for the prohibition order to be set aside in five years. 

A spokesperson for his former school said: “Chadwell Heath Academy prioritises the wellbeing and security of our students above all else. 

“Our school has robust safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures in place to prevent abuse and keep our pupils safe, as well as a comprehensive safer recruitment process as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education. 

 “The situation was first brought to light by the actions and policies of our safeguarding team, who responded rapidly and effectively to ensure our student’s safety. 

“We regularly conduct rigorous internal reviews of our safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that all measures in place best protect the students in our care. 

“The school has supported our student and their family throughout this process with any mentoring and counselling required and will continue to do so.”