Maths Teacher Struck Off After Over 100 Attempts to Access Pornography on Girls' School WiFi

A former maths teacher at Sherborne Girls School has been banned from the profession for two years after attempting to access pornography more than 100 times using the school's WiFi network. Dr. Andrew Moore, 59, was dismissed from his position in November 2024.

Moore had worked at the independent boarding school in Dorset for nearly 20 years and was promoted to head of mathematics in September 2024, just weeks before his misconduct was discovered. The school's IT system flagged his internet searches for blocked content, leading to an investigation.

Initially, Moore admitted to the allegations and expressed remorse, describing his actions as "stupid" and "ashamed." However, during disciplinary meetings, his account changed. He claimed he had inadvertently clicked on a phishing email disguised as a Money Saving Expert alert, which caused numerous adult websites to pop up on his personal mobile device. He asserted he had quickly closed the sites and suggested malware or a self-unlocking phone might have been responsible for other attempts.

The tribunal found that Moore's personal mobile phone had been used to attempt access to pornographic websites on school grounds and connected to the school's WiFi on October 8 and 17, 2024. Evidence indicated he was on duty in a girls' boarding house during one of these instances. The panel concluded that Dr. Moore intentionally attempted to access these sites, finding no other credible explanation.

His conduct was deemed "misconduct of a serious nature" and "unacceptable professional conduct." A decision-maker for the Education Secretary noted the findings were serious and that Moore's "lack of full insight and remorse means there is some risk of the repetition of this behaviour, and this puts at risk the future wellbeing of pupils."

Dr. Moore was prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot work in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children's home in England for two years. He did not attend the Teaching Regulation Agency hearing where the allegations were found proven.