Eltham teacher barred from profession after accessing pornography

William Schaper, a general subjects teacher at Eltham College Junior School, has been prohibited from teaching indefinitely after accessing and storing pornography on his work computer. The ban was imposed by a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel on September 15.

Discovery and Investigation

In January 2025, the school's internet monitoring system identified potential inappropriate material accessed by Mr Schaper. An investigation by Eltham College Junior School compiled an internet activity report detailing specific websites visited, access times, and the device used. The findings revealed that Mr Schaper had accessed pornography multiple times during school hours and stored sexual material in his school Outlook 365 account since 2018.

When initially confronted by the acting headteacher on January 17, 2025, Mr Schaper denied the allegations. He also attempted to clear his browser history. However, later that evening, he sent a WhatsApp message admitting to accessing pornographic material. Eltham College Junior School held a disciplinary hearing on January 24, 2025, which led to his dismissal.

Professional Consequences

Following his dismissal, Mr Schaper was referred to the TRA. He admitted to all allegations and requested his case be considered without a hearing. The professional conduct panel determined his conduct was sexual, dishonest, and lacked integrity. As a result, an indefinite prohibition order was issued, preventing him from teaching in England.

Mr Schaper, who had been employed at the school since 2003, can apply to have the prohibition order lifted after a minimum of two years, which would be no earlier than September 24, 2028. Any application to lift the ban would require a new panel meeting to assess his rehabilitation and insight.

An Eltham College spokesperson confirmed Mr Schaper's summary dismissal in January 2025, stating that the material viewed was not child-related but was inappropriate for a teacher. The spokesperson added that pupil safeguarding remains the school's highest priority.