Simon Bell Barred from Teaching Following TRA Misconduct Hearing
A science teacher has been banned from the profession after he engaged in inappropriate conversations with a vulnerable pupil about her mental health, including attempting to diagnose her and telling her she was living in a “fantasy world.”
Simon Bell, 46, worked at Ebbsfleet Academy in Swanscombe from September 2018 to August 2021, during which time he had multiple unsuitable discussions with a pupil regarding her mental well-being, a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) misconduct panel found.
Inappropriate Conversations with Pupil
The TRA panel heard that Bell shared personal medical information about himself with the pupil and attempted to diagnose her mental health condition.
In one conversation, he was heard telling her to “stop living in a fantasy world” and focus more on the “real world.”
The panel ruled that his comments were wholly inappropriate and posed a further risk to the pupil’s health.
“The public expects teachers to be role models and trusted individuals to pupils. Mr Bell’s comments to a vulnerable pupil such as Pupil A, to the point of diagnosing her, are wholly inappropriate.”
“His actions also undermined the efforts of trained members of staff who were assisting the pupil.”
Criminal Convictions and Fraud Offence
The panel also heard that Bell had a conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in Nevada, USA, in 2014, for which he received a suspended prison sentence.
He was later cautioned by the Metropolitan Police in 2015 for fraud, after failing to disclose his conviction when applying for a teaching role in the UK.
Prohibition Order Issued
Last month (February 2025), the TRA issued a prohibition order, meaning Bell is barred from teaching indefinitely.
He will be eligible to apply for the ban to be lifted in 2030, but there is no guarantee it will be granted.
Bell did not attend the hearing but stated that he found the TRA’s process to be “fair and impartial.”
This case highlights the serious expectations placed on teachers to act responsibly and maintain professional boundaries with students.
