A teacher has been banned from the teaching profession following multiple incidents of being under the influence of alcohol while at work. Julia Leith, previously employed at Judgemeadow Community College in Leicester and Robert Smyth Academy in Market Harborough, has been deemed to have committed “unacceptable professional conduct” by a panel from the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). The ban will be subject to review after two years.
Incidents of Intoxication
The first incident occurred during an open evening at Judgemeadow Community College in September 2017. A staff member raised concerns about Leith’s behaviour, noting that she appeared disoriented and was slurring her speech. Upon investigation, it was reported that Leith not only smelled of alcohol but also exhibited erratic and confused behaviour, making her participation in the event impossible. Two colleagues ultimately escorted her home discreetly to avoid drawing attention during the open evening.
Despite the absence of breath tests or forensic evidence at the time, the TRA panel concluded that there was a strong likelihood Leith had consumed alcohol. They noted that her subsequent verbal denials of drinking were inconsistent with previous written statements she had made.
Continued Concerns at Robert Smyth Academy
The second incident took place on 7 December 2018 while Leith was employed at Robert Smyth Academy. A witness observed her walking with difficulty, swaying from side to side, which raised immediate concerns about her well-being and ability to perform her duties. Colleagues were concerned for her safety, stating that she was vulnerable to injury due to her level of inebriation. Similar to the earlier incident, this situation prompted intervention from her partner, who was called to assist her.
The panel remarked that this second occurrence mirrored the previous one, highlighting Leith’s “long-term difficulties with alcohol consumption.” They acknowledged her history as a competent teacher and the personal challenges she faced between 2016 and 2019, yet they ultimately deemed her behaviour unacceptable for someone in her position.
The Panel’s Findings and Recommendations
The TRA panel’s findings emphasised the potential risks Leith’s actions posed to students and colleagues alike. While they acknowledged that no direct harm was reported to pupils, they underscored the serious implications that could have arisen had her colleagues not intervened. The panel concluded that Leith did not adequately recognise the impact of her behaviour on those around her.
In light of these findings, the panel recommended a prohibition order, reflecting both a necessary disciplinary measure and a chance for Leith to reassess her situation. The order allows for a potential review after a two-year period, offering a glimmer of hope for her return to the profession should circumstances improve.
Why it Matters
This case highlights the critical importance of maintaining professional standards in education, where the well-being of students must always be a priority. The decision to ban Julia Leith serves as a reminder that educators are held to high standards of conduct, and any actions that could jeopardise the safety and learning environment of young people will not be tolerated. As schools navigate the complexities of staff welfare and student protection, this incident reinforces the need for ongoing support and intervention programmes for educators facing personal challenges.
