- A school head has been removed from the teaching profession.
- Alcohol was found hidden inside an office used by vulnerable learners.
- The discovery followed a report by a member of staff in 2023.
- Education officials ruled the conduct a serious failure of trust.
Safeguarding concerns were raised at Hazeldene School in Bedford after alcohol was discovered inside an office used by pupils with special needs. The finding led to the suspension of the school’s headteacher and later a full investigation by the education authorities.
The incident came to light in March 2023 when a teaching assistant noticed an empty drink can inside the headteacher’s handbag.
Following the initial discovery, school leaders carried out checks and found several bottles, both opened and sealed, stored in cupboards and containers inside the office. The room was regularly used by children with special educational needs, making the situation more serious.
Investigators noted that the office was not always locked and was sometimes used by pupils who needed emotional support.
The former headteacher, Leanne Grove, who is 44 years old, accepted that she kept alcohol on school grounds. She also confirmed that some of the containers were not locked away.
Grove further admitted that she drank alcohol before a governor’s meeting and after a parents’ evening, though she did not state the amount consumed.
A misconduct panel under the Teaching Regulation Agency reviewed the case and concluded that Grove’s actions did not meet the standards expected of a school leader.
The panel stressed that headteachers are trusted to set a positive example and ensure a safe environment. It said having alcohol in a school, especially where pupils could reach it, was completely unacceptable.
According to the findings, the chance of pupils coming into contact with alcohol was real, not minor. The panel described the situation as a serious error in judgment, particularly given the vulnerability of the children using the office.
The conduct was said to place pupils at potential risk and weaken trust in school leadership.
Acting for the education secretary, civil servant David Oatley issued an indefinite teaching ban. He said there was a concern that the behaviour could happen again, which could harm children in the future.
As a result, Grove is no longer allowed to work in any school, sixth form college, or children’s home in England. She has since stated that she has moved on from teaching and has no plans to return to the profession.
