A Scots deputy head teacher engaged in a romantic relationship with a pupil before moving her into his home.
Ian Berstan has been struck off after he admitted forming a close relationship with the schoolgirl from Peterhead Academy in Aberdeenshire. An investigation found that the relationship had begun whilst the girl was a pupil at the school, aged either 15 or 16.
As reported by Aberdeen Live, it is currently unclear if the relationship is continuing. The probe by bosses at the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS), a watchdog for Scots teachers, found that the teacher continued to be friends with the pupil despite knowing the girl was attracted to him.
Around last May he hugged her and kissed her on the lips - something he would repeat multiple times until the pair formed a romantic relationship between last October and December when she was aged either 16 or 17. Berstan, a former Modern Studies teacher, left his job at the school last December and just a month later the teenager moved into his home permanently.
Watchdogs reviewed various pieces of evidence including snapchat conversations between the girl and other pupils as well as witness statements from friends, parents and the school's headteacher. Berstan accepted all the allegations in full and he 'fully expected to be removed from the register'. The GTCS took the decision to strike him off.
In a report they wrote: "He submitted that he had been undermined and isolated by his fellow Deputes at the school and that he had been subject to increased professional demands due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. He submitted that following his resignation in December 2021, he has been seeking employment out with education.
"The teacher confirmed his relationship with Pupil A, who was currently living with him in his family home. He accepted that his behaviour with regard to his relationship with Pupil A was unbecoming of a teacher.
"Further, he accepted that his conduct has breached COPAC and that his fitness to teach is currently impaired which likely would result in his removal from the Register."
It added that his actions mounted to the 'abuse of a teacher’s position of trust', 'forming inappropriate relationships with pupils/young people' and 'sexual misconduct or indecency'.
The report adds: "The allegations, which have been admitted, are very serious. The teacher had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable pupil who had confided in him about a previous traumatic experience.
"The teacher failed to avail himself of various opportunities to cease association with Pupil A.
"The panel considered that the teacher‘s actions were premeditated and demonstrated a lack of integrity. The panel considered that the teacher had not demonstrated any remorse.
"The panel concluded that the actions of the teacher were not remediable and had not been remedied. The misconduct fell significantly short of the standards expected and was fundamentally incompatible with being a registered teacher, therefore, the panel found the teacher unfit to teach.
"Further, the public interest in maintaining the public’s confidence in the integrity of the teaching profession and GTC Scotland as a professional regulator also required a finding that the Teacher is unfit to teach."
Aberdeenshire Council has been contacted by Aberdeen Live for comment.
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