Tony Fraine

Tony Fraine, a disgraced teacher from Hinckley in Leicestershire, has been permanently barred from the classroom following his conviction for grooming and sexually abusing a 17-year-old pupil. Fraine, who joined Hinckley Academy and John Cleveland Sixth Form Centre in 2005 as a newly-appointed science teacher and rose to head of department by 2010, exploited his position of authority to manipulate the teenager into an inappropriate relationship.

The predatory behaviour began in 2019, when Fraine started sending flattering messages to the victim, which quickly escalated into sexualised content. He coerced her into sending naked images and explicit messages after repeated requests, and even gave her a gift of underwear to further the abuse. The allegations came to light that year, leading to Fraine's immediate suspension from the school.

Fraine was tried at Leicester Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. In 2020, he was sentenced to two years in prison. Additionally, he is subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must remain on the sex offenders register for the same duration.

• Fraine's actions involved grooming over a substantial period, manipulating the pupil through his influence as a teacher.
• The court heard details of how he transitioned from seemingly innocent compliments to explicit demands, exploiting the power imbalance in the teacher-student relationship.

Following his release, the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) conducted a disciplinary hearing to assess Fraine's suitability to teach. The panel concluded that his behaviour posed an ongoing risk to student safety and undermined public confidence in the profession. In their report, they stated: "There was a strong public interest consideration in respect of the protection of pupils and other children given the very serious findings relating to sexual activity with a pupil and conduct associated with grooming." They emphasised the seriousness of the offences, including the grooming that occurred over an extended time, and deemed a lifetime prohibition order both proportionate and appropriate.

Sarah Buxcey, from the TRA, reinforced the decision, noting: "The panel finds that the conduct of Mr Fraine fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession. Mr Fraine’s offending behaviour was serious, concerning sexual activity with a pupil, which ultimately led to a sentence of imprisonment, which I agree with the panel is relevant to his ongoing suitability to teach." Fraine has 28 days from the decision to appeal the ban at the High Court, but the TRA's ruling stands as a definitive measure to protect children and maintain professional integrity.

This case, reported by Leicestershire Live on 22 June 2022, highlights the vulnerabilities in educational settings and the consequences for those who betray positions of trust. Leicestershire Police investigated the matter, leading to Fraine's prosecution.