Teacher sacked for tipping off pupils about exam topics
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A teacher at one of the leading independent schools in the UK was struck off yesterday for sending emails to pupils about topics coming up in their exams.
Eric Tessier-Lavigne, 51, who taught French language classes at Gordonstoun school in Elgin, Scotland, was accused of giving pupils hints about their oral exams last year.
They included the words "for your eyes only" and "destroy after reading", a General Teaching Council disciplinary hearing heard.
Five pupils were sent emails which included some of the topics which later appeared in the exam.
Mr Tessier-Lavigne dismissed the language in the emails as "theatrical hyperbole".
He denied that he had intended to give the pupils an advantage or disadvantage.
But the General Teaching Council disciplinary hearing ruled that his actions had "seriously jeopardised his position as a role model for young people" and he was told he could not apply to be put back on the teaching register for a year.
The hearing was told he no longer taught at Gordonstoun, which was attended by Prince Charles in the 1960s.
His job at the school, at which day pupils pay about £19,000 a year in fees, was his first teaching post after a probationary year at another school.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments