Daniel Ata-Baah banned from teaching after assaulting pupil at Southwark school

Daniel Ata-Baah, a former mathematics teacher at City of London Academy in Southwark, has been prohibited from teaching indefinitely following a conviction for assaulting a pupil under 13. The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) imposed the ban on 24 July 2026, after a panel concluded that his actions were deliberate and breached professional standards.

Ata-Baah was convicted at Croydon Crown Court in November 2024 of one count of assault by touch. He received an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months. The TRA panel noted that the incident involved him asking a child to sit on his lap before touching her breasts over her clothing for his own sexual gratification.

School followed safeguarding procedures

Ata-Baah began teaching at City of London Academy on 1 January 2018. An allegation of a sexual offence was made against him in March 2018, leading to his immediate suspension. He resigned on 9 November 2018, the same year the school referred the matter to the TRA.

A spokesperson for City of London Academies Trust said the school followed all appropriate safeguarding and employment procedures. They stated, "The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our highest priority and we are committed to the highest standards of safeguarding."

Panel finds no evidence of exceptional conduct

The TRA panel considered whether Ata-Baah’s actions were out of character but found no evidence to support this. They also determined that he had not demonstrated exceptionally high standards in his personal or professional conduct, nor had he contributed significantly to the education sector.

The panel concluded that his behaviour breached standards expected of teachers, including upholding public trust in the profession and showing proper regard for the school’s ethos and policies. They noted that a witness had seen his erect penis under his clothing during the incident.

What happens next

Ata-Baah is prohibited from teaching in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children’s home in England. The prohibition order is indefinite, and he is not entitled to apply for its restoration. However, he has the right to appeal to the High Court within 28 days of receiving notice of the decision.