A DEPUTY headteacher who humiliated and undermined staff, causing a newly qualified teacher to leave the profession, has admitted unacceptable professional conduct.
Sharon Purcell, formerly deputy headteacher of Box Highlands Primary School, Corsham, was banned from holding a managerial post for three years after admitting she seriously demeaned and undermined colleagues by her behaviour towards them.
The General Teaching Council for England heard on Tuesday how Mrs Purcell acted towards staff in an 'intimidating, domineering and belittling manner'.
Mrs Purcell was labelled a 'bully' by staff after she would humiliate and intimidate them in front of pupils, the disciplinary committee were told.
Her behaviour towards Yvonne Mcmanus - a member of staff who she mentored - had caused her to quit the profession altogether.
The panel was told how Mrs Purcell's behaviour had caused her so much stress that she had to visit a doctor, where she was diagnosed with work-related stress.
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In a document read out by presenting officer Bradley Albuery, Ms Mcmanus said: "I did not feel support, or able to communicate with her. I was slapped down when asked for help. She critically undermined everything I did - it has affected my confidence, self esteem and my health."
Tracey Sessions, who was also once a colleague of Mrs Purcell, said in a statement: "She started to bully and intimidate me.
"She would observe my lesson with no notice, was obstructive, deliberately undermined me, demeaned me and humiliated me in front of staff and children."
Chair of the committee, Max Hyde issued Mrs Purcell with a conditional registration order.
He said: "By her own admission, Mrs Purcell has seriously demeaned and undermined certain colleagues and acted in her capacity as deputy headteacher in an intimidating domineering and belittling manner represents a breach of trust.
"Mrs Purcell had shown little insight into the inappropriateness of her behaviour or its consequences.
"This is not withstanding the fact that there had been two members of staff who had resigned stating Mrs Purcell's conduct as a primary reason.
"There is clear evidence that the conduct of Mrs Purcell had an adverse effect on the morale of the school and a number of members of staff.
"The committee also took account of the fact that she was under personal stress, Mrs Purcell had shown insufficient insight and this could not be described as an isolated incident.
"This is a serious case of unacceptable professional conduct in her capacity as deputy headteacher."
Presenting officer, Bradley Albuery said in closing: "There are five aggravating factors here, the first is a breach of trust.
"As a deputy head, she in that capacity undermined, demeaned and belittled staff. Those who were her junior, newly qualified teachers and more experienced teachers.
"Secondly throughout the investigation Mrs Purcell did not give insight into the matters concerned.
"Thirdly, the period of time it went on is wholly unacceptable.
"Fourthly, the number of colleagues who testified, were of all different levels, there were about 20 statements.
"Fifthly, the extent of the effect of unacceptable behaviour on those colleagues. One of who left the position and who could hardly drive past the school because of the memory it left with her."
In a witness statement read aloud in the hearing, Mrs Purcell stated: "I am very sorry if my conduct caused distress. I was acting as a deputy and a head teacher at the time. I did not have as much time to support staff as I would normally have liked."
Her representative Ivan Hare, added: "Bullying is strenuously denied by her. At the time she was under intense work pressure.
"She was also under going hormone therapy which did lead to tearfulness, high emotions and mood swings. She may have been more abrupt than she would have wanted to be with staff.
"Until now she has had an entirely unblemished record. She has been getting work in two schools, as a supply teacher.
"She has said to me that she does not feel to be in the position to seek another deputy head teacher position for the foreseeable future."
The conditions of the order are that for three years Mrs Purcell shall not hold a post of greater seniority than a classroom teacher.
After a period of three years, she shall not hold any teaching post with management responsibility for other staff or a curriculum subject area unless and until she has provided satisfactory evidence of completion of a training course.
Posted by: The Voice of Reason, Westbury on 10:48am Wed 23 Apr 08
Just why is this awful woman being allowed to remain as a teacher in any capacity? What sort of example has she set to the pupils? No wonder children grow up to behave in the way they often do.
Just why is this awful woman being allowed to remain as a teacher in any capacity? What sort of example has she set to the pupils? No wonder children grow up to behave in the way they often do.
I agree with above. My son went to this school as it was happening and was in his last term when she was suspended it was very distressing for all the children, how can she be allowed into another school to teach? The headmaster was suspended too but I believe he is teaching in another school now too. Something very wrong with this country
I agree with above. My son went to this school as it was happening and was in his last term when she was suspended it was very distressing for all the children, how can she be allowed into another school to teach? The headmaster was suspended too but I believe he is teaching in another school now too. Something very wrong with this country
Its a shame the council did not let parents know what was happening and why because I believe that they would have had a lot more complaints not just from the staff. We would not have lost a very good school if it wasnt for the head and deputy head who are still allowed to teach.
Its a shame the council did not let parents know what was happening and why because I believe that they would have had a lot more complaints not just from the staff. We would not have lost a very good school if it wasnt for the head and deputy head who are still allowed to teach.
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