Worthing teacher banned after sending inappropriate messages to pupil

A teacher from Worthing has been permanently banned from the profession after sending thousands of inappropriate messages, including images, to a teenage pupil.

A Teaching Regulation Agency panel found that Alex Mohammed exchanged messages with a 15-year-old pupil at Durrington High School between April and May 2022, many of which were personal and inappropriate. The communications included references to what the pupil was wearing in bed, as well as photographs, some taken while both were in bed. The panel determined there was no professional justification for the contact, much of which took place outside school hours.

The investigation also found Mr Mohammed communicated with several other pupils in a personal manner and failed to report safeguarding concerns raised in messages, including references to mental wellbeing and alcohol use. Although he admitted the allegations, he denied sexual motivation, but the panel concluded his actions were sexually motivated and posed a risk to pupils. Police were informed at the time but no criminal charges were brought.

Mr Mohammed, who joined the school in 2014 and was a science teacher and co-director of science, had previously been warned about maintaining professional boundaries. The Secretary of State for Education has now imposed a prohibition order with no right of review, meaning he is permanently barred from teaching in any educational setting in England.