Overview

• An employment tribunal ruled that The Blue Coat School acted appropriately in dismissing Nick Barends for gross misconduct in 2023.
• The tribunal focused on a 2012 incident where Barends handed out a joke award referencing an alleged sexual assault involving students.
• Barends's dismissal followed a 2022 complaint by the alleged victim, whose testimony was pivotal in the investigation and tribunal outcome.
• The tribunal also considered Barends's 2010 dismissal and reinstatement after an inappropriate relationship with a student, which raised further safeguarding concerns.
• The Blue Coat School praised the bravery of the former pupil, issued a public apology for past failings, and pledged to notify the Teaching Regulation Agency of the tribunal's findings.