Teacher banned for using 'excessive' force on pupil

A teacher has been struck off after a disciplinary panel found he used excessive force against a pupil.

Ikechukwu Ogben reacted after having liquid sprayed in his face by a boy at Weavers Academy, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, in January 2023, a hearing was told.

The professional conduct panel said CCTV footage showed Ogben restraining the Year 8 pupil "disproportionately" in a school hallway shortly afterwards.

Character references described Ogben, who denied the allegation, as an effective classroom teacher.

In its report, the Teaching Regulation Agency panel said: "The findings of misconduct are serious as they include a finding of a teacher using inappropriate and excessive force against a pupil."

It said Ogben had grabbed the boy and pushed him up against a wall.

Ogben said his actions had been intended to protect the pupil.

During his evidence, the pupil admitted that his own behaviour had not been acceptable and said Ogben was one of his favourite teachers.

However, the panel said there was little evidence that de-escalation techniques had been attempted, and it was unclear whether Ogben had received training in the school's restraint policy.

The panel concluded his conduct could bring the profession into disrepute and recommended a prohibition order to the Secretary of State, citing safeguarding concerns and the need to maintain public confidence in teaching.

Ogben was banned from teaching with immediate effect, with a review period of two years.

The panel said he was prohibited from teaching indefinitely and could not teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England.

Ogben can appeal the order, but not until 27 January 2028 at the earliest.

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