Snapchat teacher banned for having sex with pupil

A school teacher who had sex with a pupil and pretended to be a teenage boy on Snapchat to befriend young girls has been banned from the profession.

Alexander Webb was jailed last year, having admitted a six-month relationship with the student, engaging in sexual communication and making indecent images.

The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) heard 39,400 messages were found relating to the student. About 5,000 Snapchat contacts were also recovered which included pupils from the school.

It recommended a lifetime ban with no review was "proportionate".

The case arose after a safeguarding referral in May 2021 alleged Webb, then a teacher from Stafford in Staffordshire, was involved in a sexual relationship with a pupil at his school.

Stafford Crown Court heard he also set up a Snapchat account to engage in sexualised conversations with teenage girls whilst purporting to be a boy.

Webb pleaded guilty on 5 December 2024 to six counts of sexual activity with a child, three counts of sexual communication with a child and five counts of making indecent photographs of a child.

He was sentenced at the same court on 13 February 2025 to five years and seven months in prison.

The TRA panel heard Webb said during his initial police interview he felt a "deep amount of regret and remorse" for how his conduct had affected his life and the lives of others.

However, no evidence was submitted about his history or ability as a teacher, its report stated.

Nor was there evidence before the panel which indicated he had demonstrated exceptionally high standards in either his personal or professional conduct or that he had contributed significantly to the education sector.

The panel took into account the nature and seriousness of the conduct when considering whether a review period would be appropriate but recommended the lifetime ban with no review was "proportionate".

David Oatley, for the secretary of state, accepted the recommendation in full and concluded that a prohibition order was necessary to protect children and maintain public confidence in the profession.

The panel concluded Webb demonstrated a complete disregard for the safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils.

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