A former mathematics teacher who was previously jailed for sexual offences involving two underage pupils has now been formally found guilty of serious professional misconduct by a regulatory panel in the United Kingdom, in a ruling that is expected to permanently end her teaching career.
Rebecca Joynes, 30, was convicted last year at Manchester Crown Court for engaging in illegal relationships with two male students while she was a teacher. The crimes, which occurred while she was in a position of trust at the school, led to a prison sentence of six and a half years in July. Now, following a separate professional disciplinary hearing, a teaching misconduct panel has ruled that her actions brought the profession into disrepute and represented an unacceptable breach of safeguarding responsibilities.
The Teaching Regulation Agency’s panel determined that the nature and seriousness of her offences constituted a fundamental violation of the standards expected of educators. In a statement delivered by the chairman of the panel, Phil Thompson, the members concluded that Joynes had “abused her position of trust” and acted in a way that severely damaged public confidence in the education system.
“These were extremely serious offences,” Thompson said. “Her actions displayed a complete disregard for professional boundaries and student safety. The panel believes that such behaviour clearly brings the teaching profession into disrepute.”
Joynes did not attend the misconduct hearing, and the panel proceeded in her absence. Over the next several days, members will consider what formal sanction should be applied, although it is widely expected she will be permanently struck off the teaching register, preventing her from working in education again.
Background to the criminal case
The criminal case against Joynes revealed that she had engaged in inappropriate relationships with two students at the school where she worked in Greater Manchester. The court heard evidence that she had manipulated and groomed one of the boys while he was still under the age of 16, including providing gifts and spending time with him outside the school environment.
After concerns were raised by parents and school officials, Joynes was suspended from her duties and later arrested and charged. Despite strict bail conditions that forbade any contact with anyone under the age of 18, the court heard that she proceeded to become involved with another underage student while awaiting trial. Her actions were described by prosecutors as calculated and “brazen,” showing repeated disregard for the legal restrictions placed upon her.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Joynes carried out a deliberate pattern of grooming behaviour, using her position and authority as a teacher to manipulate vulnerable students. She was eventually found guilty of multiple offences, including engaging in sexual activity with a child and committing those offences while being in a position of trust.
The judge who sentenced her, Judge Kate Cornell, strongly condemned her actions, highlighting the severity of her betrayal of responsibility.
“You were the adult. You were the person in control. You were trusted not only by the school, but by these children and their parents,” Judge Cornell stated in court. “Instead, you exploited your professional role for your own gratification.”
The judge noted that there had been clear planning and manipulation involved in the process, rejecting any attempt to suggest that the boys were responsible or consenting. The court was satisfied that both victims were vulnerable and had been exploited.
In early 2024, Joynes reportedly gave birth to a child; however, the baby was removed from her care shortly after birth following safeguarding concerns.
Professional and public reaction
Speaking on behalf of the Teaching Regulation Agency, Shirlie Duckworth described the case as being among the most severe they had encountered.
“Any conviction of a teacher is serious,” she said, “but sexual offences committed against students, particularly more than one, represent the highest possible level of professional misconduct. There was grooming, planning, deception, and repeated betrayal of trust.”
Education experts say the case has reignited national discussion around safeguarding in schools and the importance of robust background checks, reporting systems, and pupil protection measures. Many parents have expressed anger and disbelief that such behaviour could take place within a school environment.
Senior Crown Prosecutor for the North West, Jane Wilson, also condemned Joynes’ actions, emphasising the broader impact beyond the individual victims.
“Every parent sends their child to school expecting them to be protected. This case represents a profound violation of that trust and undermines faith in the education system as a whole,” Wilson said.
She added that the emotional and psychological consequences for the victims could last long into adulthood, and that the justice system must act firmly when authority figures exploit children.
Awaiting final decision
The teaching panel will now submit its recommendation to the UK Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, who will make the final determination regarding Joynes’s professional status. While suspension is one possible outcome, permanent removal from the teaching profession is considered the most likely result.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities placed on teachers and the severe consequences when those responsibilities are abused. Authorities continue to stress the importance of vigilance, transparent reporting procedures, and prompt intervention in order to protect students and maintain public confidence in educational institutions.
Source:Africa Publicity
