Teacher Banned for Cocaine Use at School Event
Rowan Barnicoat, a 29-year-old maths teacher at Pool Academy in Cornwall, has been prohibited from teaching following findings that he consumed cocaine during a staff Christmas party in December 2023. The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) misconduct panel heard that Barnicoat took two bags of white powder from a suitcase, placed the substance on a table, broke it up with a credit card, and snorted it using a rolled-up 3 note.
The school stated that Barnicoat's behaviour "fell well below the standards we expect of all staff and did not reflect the values of Pool Academy." It emphasized that the welfare and safeguarding of students remains its "highest priority."
Background and Investigation
Barnicoat began his role as a maths teacher at Pool Academy in September 2022. He resigned in February 2024 during the ongoing investigation conducted by the school. Notably, Barnicoat did not attend the TRA hearing.
Witnesses at the hearing reported that Barnicoat repeatedly mentioned cocaine throughout the evening. The panel was informed that Barnicoat told a colleague,
"I am never skint. I always have cash from dealing."
The panel concluded that it was more likely than not that the white powder was cocaine and determined that Barnicoat had both possessed and consumed this Class A drug.
Panel Findings and Sanctions
The TRA panel ruled that Barnicoat's conduct constituted unacceptable professional behaviour and actions that could bring the teaching profession into disrepute. It found that consuming illegal drugs in the presence of colleagues at a school-related event fell "significantly short of the standards expected of the profession."
Additionally, the panel reviewed an allegation that Barnicoat attempted to influence a witness's account during the investigation but found this claim unproven.
As a result, Barnicoat has been barred from teaching indefinitely. However, he is eligible to apply for a review of this decision starting from 30 June 2031.
School's Response
A spokesperson for Pool Academy reiterated that Barnicoat's conduct was unacceptable and did not align with the school's values.
"As soon as the matter came to our attention we acted promptly and followed the appropriate procedures."
Following Barnicoat's departure, a safeguarding hearing was conducted, and its outcome was forwarded to the TRA.
"The welfare and safeguarding of our students is, and always will be, our highest priority."
Additional Information
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