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Leanne Grove Banned From Teaching After Admitting Drinking on School Premises

The panel cited safeguarding risk from alcohol kept in an office used by SEND pupils.

Overview

  • The Teaching Regulation Agency imposed an indefinite prohibition with no reapplication allowed until 2027 and a 28-day appeal window.
  • Grove admitted drinking at Hazeldene School before a governors' meeting and after a parents' evening.
  • A teaching assistant's March 2023 discovery of gin and tonic cans in her handbag prompted a search that uncovered more alcohol in her office.
  • The office was sometimes left unlocked and used by vulnerable pupils, which the panel said created a realistic risk of access to alcohol.
  • The report described her conduct as reckless and found the public interest justified the ban, and she resigned in May 2023 stating she does not intend to return to teaching.