Full Breakdown
Mathematics Teacher Barred After Physical Altercation at Staffordshire School
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
In October 2024, Christopher Clarkson, a 44-year-old mathematics teacher at The de Ferrers Academy in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, followed a pupil into a corridor, seized the student’s coat, and engaged in a heated exchange of profanity. After walking away, Clarkson allegedly grabbed a second pupil and pushed him in the chest.
Timeline
- September 2020 – Clarkson began teaching mathematics at The de Ferrers Academy.
- October 2024 – The physical altercation with two pupils occurred.
- March (following year) – The school dismissed Clarkson after a police investigation.
- April 2025 – A Teaching Regulation Agency misconduct panel issued its ruling, imposing an indefinite teaching prohibition that may be reviewed after five years.
Official Findings
Consequently, Clarkson received an indefinite ban from teaching, with the option to apply for the prohibition to be lifted after five years.
Student Accounts
One pupil described being grabbed by the front of his shirt near the neck, swung around, and slammed into a door and wall, resulting in a head injury. A second pupil recounted seeing the teacher “swearing at” the first pupil, then “grabbing me and pushing me” as the teacher walked off. Both accounts were presented to the panel as evidence of the physical force used.
Data & Statistics
- Two pupils were directly involved in the incident.
- One teacher (Christopher Clarkson) faced disciplinary action.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I reached out and grabbed his coat” — Christopher Clarkson
What’s Next
Clarkson may submit an application to have the prohibition order set aside after a five-year period, as stipulated by the panel’s decision. No further hearings have been scheduled at the time of reporting.