Erin Hebblewhite, a 32-year-old former physical education teacher at Connaught School for Girls in Leyton, has been permanently barred from the teaching profession after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a pupil under her care. The Teaching Regulation Agency’s decision came following Hebblewhite’s sentencing to two years in prison in 2021 for her conduct, which included grooming and sexually abusing the teenager.

The victim, whose identity remains anonymous, revealed that her first kiss and subsequent loss of virginity occurred with Hebblewhite, incidents which unfolded within a period that also saw Hebblewhite being considered for a teacher of the year award. The misconduct panel assessed that Hebblewhite’s actions not only breached professional standards but included grave offenses such as sexual activity with a child and the creation of indecent images.

In addition to her prison sentence, Hebblewhite was subjected to a ten-year restraining order and a definitive ban from engaging in any teaching or related activities at educational institutions and children’s homes across England. The extent of her misconduct led the panel to institute an indefinite prohibition on her applying for reinstatement in the teaching profession, highlighting the severity of her actions and her apparent lack of remorse.

The incidents, which came to light following observations by the victim’s family of changes in her behavior and appearance, along with the discovery of incriminating messages, have led to Hebblewhite’s permanent exclusion from teaching. The school involved has been approached for comments regarding the case.