A disgraced drama teacher who sent naked selfies to a pupil at a £45,000 private school has been banned from the classroom for life. Megan Lanning, 36, taught music and performing arts at Ripplevale School in Rochester, Kent, when she sent two explicit images to the student.
In one of the images, Lanning was “half-naked showing her boobs”, a teacher misconduct hearing was told – while in another, she confessed to sending a sexual image that “could possibly be seen as her performing a sexual act”. The teacher confessed having “inappropriate feelings“ for the pupil, and admitted sending two nude pictures after reporting herself to safeguarding bosses at the independent day school last February.
She also admitted that the pair had spent hours chatting on the phone and Instagram discussing their feelings for each other. Lanning said the pair were “wrapped up in one another”, later admitting in a statement: “I remember at the time I just wanted to give all of me and wanted [them] to think I was amazing.”
But the Teaching Regulation Agency watchdog ruled the images sent by Lanning were “inherently sexual in nature”. Panel chair Alan Wells said: “It was clear Miss Lanning was pursuing some sort of relationship and/or sexual gratification.
“She had developed feelings for a pupil at the school in respect of whom she was in a position of power and authority and had acted upon this by sending photographs of herself of a sexual nature.” Mr Wells added: “The conduct of Miss Lanning amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession.” Lanning, who admitted unacceptable professional conduct, said she was “disgusted and repulsed” by her actions and “in constant fear that it will come out in the newspapers”. The private hearing, in Coventry, West Mids, was told: “Miss Lanning stated that she feels sick every time she thinks about what she did now. She stated that it was not something she would ever think of doing again, and the consequences of what she did have been ‘so hard to bear’.” Mr Wells added: “The conduct of Miss Lanning amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession, particularly in circumstances where she had acted upon her feelings for a pupil in a way which the panel had found to be sexually motivated.” Lanning was banned indefinitely from teaching in England, and cannot reapply to the register in future. Signing off on the ban on behalf of education secretary Bridget Phillipson, civil servant Marc Cavey said: “I am particularly mindful of the finding of a teacher sending naked photographs of herself to a pupil in this case and the very negative impact that such a finding is likely to have on the reputation of the profession. “Furthermore, in view of the seriousness of the allegations found proved against her, I have decided that Miss Lanning shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of her eligibility to teach.” Rippledale is an independent day school and college for students with learning difficulties. Annual fees can reach £45,000.
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