Banned for Sharing Personal Details with Students
Teacher’s Social Life Exposed in Classroom
Natasha Blackmore, 36, a head of design technology at Westfield Academy secondary school in Yeovil, Somerset, faced disciplinary action after revealing private aspects of her life to pupils. A Professional Conduct Panel of the Teaching Regulation Agency reviewed the case, noting her disclosure of personal anecdotes involving relationships and late-night activities. Blackmore admitted to breaching professional standards by engaging in conduct that could tarnish the teaching profession’s reputation.
During the investigation, a student recounted how Blackmore shared texts describing someone else in a negative light. The teacher also discussed her own habits, including smoking, drinking, and vaping, during a hen night. She acknowledged these actions as unacceptable professional behavior, which compromised the boundaries between staff and students.
“She saw us as friends, not students,” said one pupil. “We told each other everything—how our days went, our behavior, our home lives, and even our arguments.”
According to the report, up to five students regularly visited Blackmore during breaks and lunch. One student claimed the teacher invited them to meet her dog during school holidays, further blurring professional lines. The panel concluded that her actions constituted serious misconduct, falling short of the expected standards. Blackmore admitted to joining a pupil’s Instagram group chat and arranging a meeting with them at Yeovil Recreational Centre.
“Without those students’ support after my dog passed away, I don’t think I’d have returned to work,” Blackmore stated. “They were there for me during a tough time.”
A parent defended Blackmore, noting they had never felt any wrongdoing. “She was a really good teacher,” the parent said. The panel ultimately found her conduct guilty of unacceptable professional behavior and imposed an indefinite ban. This decision can be reconsidered after two years.
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