Overview

• A Teaching Regulation Authority panel concluded that Kathryn Matthews engaged in inappropriate sexual discussions with pupils during a November 2023 English lesson at The Westleigh School in Wigan.
• Topics found proven on the balance of probabilities included references to anal and gay sex, sex toys, orgasms, g‑spots and masturbation, which the panel deemed serious misconduct.
• Matthews denied the allegations in correspondence, said she shut down comments, suggested pupils may have seen similar content on TikTok, and did not engage with the panel hearing.
• She had worked at the school for about two months before being suspended and was dismissed with effect from February 2024 following the school’s investigation.
• The prohibition prevents her from teaching or working in specified education and youth settings in England, though she may apply to have it set aside after two years subject to panel scrutiny.