Science Teacher Banned for Playing Doctor with Vulnerable Pupil
A science teacher has been slammed and barred from the classroom after inappropriate chats about a vulnerable pupil’s mental health. Simon Bell, 46, shocked a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel by trying to diagnose the girl and telling her she was living in a “fantasy world.”
Unsuitable Chats at Ebbsfleet Academy
Bell worked at Ebbsfleet Academy in Swanscombe from September 2018 to August 2021. During that time, he repeatedly crossed the line with one pupil, discussing her mental well-being in an utterly unprofessional way.
The TRA panel revealed Bell shared personal medical details about himself and tried to play doctor by diagnosing the pupil’s mental health. At one point, he coldly told her to “stop living in a fantasy world” and “focus more on the real world.”
“The public expects teachers to be role models and trusted individuals to pupils. Mr Bell’s comments to a vulnerable pupil such as Pupil A, to the point of diagnosing her, are wholly inappropriate.”
“His actions also undermined the efforts of trained members of staff who were assisting the pupil.”
Baggage from Across the Pond
Bell’s troubles didn’t stop there. The panel disclosed he has a criminal past, including a 2014 Nevada conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He got a suspended prison sentence for that.
In 2015, he was also cautioned by the Metropolitan Police for fraud — caught out for failing to disclose his conviction when applying for teaching jobs in the UK.
Indefinite Teaching Ban Issued
Last month, the TRA slapped Bell with a prohibition order, barring him from teaching indefinitely. He can only apply to have the ban lifted in 2030 — but there’s zero guarantee he’ll get the green light.
Bell didn’t show up at the hearing but claimed the process was “fair and impartial.”
This shocking case is a stark reminder of the high standards teachers must uphold to protect vulnerable pupils and maintain professionalism.
