Cornwall Street’s Jonathan Storey (instructed by the National Education Union) has this week secured the acquittal of a secondary school teacher from the North West of England who faced allegations of serious misconduct relating to the exchange of inappropriate messages with a female student. 

Following a Professional Conduct Panel hearing convened by the Teaching Regulation Agency, in which Jonathan’s client and four other witnesses gave evidence, the panel accepted Jonathan’s submissions that his client’s conduct had not been sexually motivated, occurred against the backdrop of significant personal challenges, and did not meet the high threshold of seriousness required for a public finding of unacceptable professional conduct.  

Jonathan is a specialist practitioner in the field of professional regulation and works regularly with teachers, nurses, doctors, and other professionals facing disciplinary proceedings at all stages from initial referral to appeal.  He is ranked in the leading directories: by Chambers and Partners, in Band 2 for Professional Discipline in the Regions; and by the Legal 500 as a “Rising Star”.  His approach combines persuasive advocacy with highly personalised and compassionate advice and expert support throughout the life of a case.  Having worked in education, served several schools as a governor, and trained school leaders and lawyers in matters of education law, he is particularly sought after for his expertise in working with teachers and Heads and is regularly instructed by the major teaching unions and privately.