Teacher asked pupil if she'd wear 'low-cut crop top and tight trousers' in school production of Grease

A high school teacher has been struck off after asking a female pupil if she would be wearing a “low-cut crop top and tight trousers” in a school production of Grease.

John Kerr, a history and modern studies teacher at Berwickshire High School, was investigated by the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS) over incidents involving several pupils.

The regulator has released its findings and issued a removal order.

In December 2018, Kerr made inappropriate comments to Pupil B when asked if he was coming to see a school production of Grease.

He is alleged to have said: “I will if you are going to be wearing the low-cut crop top and tight trousers, but I might not have a job the next day.”

The pupil is stated to have said she would not be appearing in a certain role in the production, and it was claimed he retorted: “I would be less inclined then.”

Kerr gave evidence that he had no memory of the production being on and that the allegation was “malicious”.

However, both Pupil B and Pupil E said the comment was made, with Pupil B prompted to make the complaint after her mother asked if anything had happened with Kerr.

The panel were satisfied and found the allegations against Kerr to have been proven.

‘I’m going to kick your teeth in’

The GTCS then heard that on February 26, 2019, Kerr shouted at Pupil C in a classroom after she insulted him.

Kerr allegedly said the following:

“I am going to kick your teeth in”
“I don’t give a s**t what you think”
“You’ll never be as smart as me… I have written over 50 books”
“I will wipe the floor with you”
“You are thick and stupid… you will never make anything of your life”
“You think you are big and tough”
“I will be the end of you”
“I will be the last thing you see”
“You’re taking the p**s out of me”

Kerr told the GTCS he reacted in this manner after Pupil C insulted him. He claimed his outburst was “performative” to show the pupil that people may respond differently to being insulted outside of school.

Pupil D confirmed that during the incident, Kerr leaned over Pupil C’s desk “red-faced and angry”.

The panel found the allegation proven.

Pupil left ‘gobsmacked’

On the same day, Kerr also shouted at Pupil A, spat on his own hand and wiped Pupil A’s arm before pushing them.

Kerr gave evidence that he saw Pupil A and four other boys harassing another pupil by putting glue on his “smart school jumper” sleeves, and intervened by loudly clearing his throat and then physically moving between them to protect the victim.

However, Pupil D told the panel Kerr lifted his hand to mouth and wiped his hand on Pupil A’s sleeve, who was “gobsmacked”.

The panel noted that Kerr’s version of events had changed and considered the allegation proven.

The GTCS report noted that Kerr showed no insight or remorse for his behaviour and had not worked as a teacher since 2019.

His representative argued that no sanction was needed because of this, but the panel concluded that his misconduct had not been remedied and that it could be repeated.

The panel also found that his repeated loss of self-control towards pupils had the potential to cause harm, damaged pupils’ confidence and welfare, and fell seriously below standards.

In conclusion, the General Teaching Council of Scotland struck Kerr’s name from the register for one year.

Borders Council has been contacted for comment.