Former private school teacher struck off over allegations of touching

A former music teacher at an Aberdeen private school has been struck off after allegations of inappropriate conduct.

The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) concluded Peter Parfitt's behaviour towards some pupils at St Margaret's School for Girls had "sexual motivation".

The allegations included inappropriate touching and prolonged hugging.

Parfitt was cleared in court of criminal allegations.

The school said it had received allegations in November 2021 about his behaviour and suspended him immediately.

The matter was reported to the police, and he was charged. Parfitt was cleared of sexual assault in 2023, when he was 56.

An internal school investigation was carried out which led to dismissal. The school also made a referral regarding his fitness to teach to the GTCS.

Parfitt was not present or represented at the hearing.

The disposal noted: "The panel decided that the behaviour of the teacher is serious and given the fact it was sexually motivated is at the upper end of the scale of seriousness.

"As the panel determined that the teacher is unfit to teach, it directed that the teacher's name be removed from the register."

He has the right to appeal to the Court of Session.

His name will remain on the register until the appeal period has expired, or any appeal lodged within that period has been determined.

The school said in a statement: "While a sheriff found Mr Parfitt to be not guilty of any criminal offence, the GTCS has now judged him unfit to teach.

"We are deeply sorry for any impact this has had on pupils. The welfare of our pupils is always our first priority and our strict safeguarding processes are under constant review both internally and by external safeguarding experts.

"As a school, we are never complacent, and are continually seeking ways to make sure pupils feel safe and able to report anything out of the ordinary or anything which makes them feel uncomfortable."