Full Breakdown
Two Teachers Banned After TRA Panel Finds They Encouraged Pupils to Fight at Peak Academy
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
In October 2019, a physical confrontation erupted between two pupils at Peak Academy in Dursley, Gloucestershire. CCTV captured a 23-second exchange during which one pupil struck the other in the head nine or ten times. The altercation continued for just over 20 seconds before any adult intervened. A police interview at the time confirmed the number of punches and noted that, despite the severity, no injuries were reported, which the panel described as “good fortune.”
Panel Findings and Sanctions
The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel concluded that teachers Richard Lewis, 47, and Adrian Ferguson, 56, “smiled and laughed” while the fight unfolded and failed to intervene. The panel determined that Lewis placed his hand behind the back of the pupil who later attacked and likely said “fight it out,” while Ferguson gestured toward the other pupil and later gave a “fist bump,” actions the panel said could be perceived as encouraging the fight.
He received an indefinite teaching ban and may not apply to have the order lifted for at least three years. Ferguson was also found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct, received an indefinite ban, and must wait at least two years before seeking reinstatement.
Teacher Explanations
During an internal school investigation, Lewis explained that he was conducting a “dynamic risk assessment” and waiting for a “natural lull” before intervening. He later acknowledged that earlier intervention was required. No comparable statement was recorded from Ferguson.
Data Summary
- Duration of fight: 23 seconds (panel) / just over 20 seconds (report).
- Punches delivered: nine or ten to the head of one pupil.
- Ban status: indefinite for both teachers; minimum three-year (Lewis) and two-year (Ferguson) periods before appeal.
Implications for School Safeguarding
The case underscores heightened scrutiny of teacher conduct during pupil conflicts and reinforces the TRA’s expectation that staff must intervene promptly to prevent harm. Schools may need to review staff training on de-escalation and clarify protocols for managing “flare-ups” to avoid similar disciplinary outcomes.