Former PE and science teacher at Broomhill Bank School in Tunbridge Wells, James Gardner, has been banned from teaching for at least three years due to his unacceptable professional conduct. Gardner admitted to two counts of misconduct, including using a homophobic slur to describe Freddie Mercury, the late frontman of the band Queen.
The incident occurred while Gardner was traveling in a car with another staff member and a pupil with earphones on. When a Queen song came on the radio, Gardner made the offensive comment, “That man can sing for a f****t.” In response, a Teaching Regulation Agency panel scrutinized a string of allegations against Gardner, including not disclosing he had not completed the induction period of the Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT), failing to mention he had been dismissed from a previous teaching post for gross misconduct, and referring to having smoked cannabis in the past.
The prohibition order made against Gardner saw him immediately banned from teaching from 5 April, but the order allows him to apply for the rule to be “set aside” from April 2026, as reported by Kent Live. While Gardner claims that the homophobic slur was a joke, the panel found the remark to be unacceptable professional conduct, along with other offenses that revealed Gardner’s lack of integrity and judgment.
The case highlights the importance of holding educators accountable for their actions and language in the classroom. Gardner’s behavior was not only offensive but also created an unsafe environment for his students. In addition, it is particularly concerning that Gardner did not disclose important information about his qualifications and past employment. This raises questions about how schools and regulatory agencies can better vet teachers before they enter the classroom to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
It is important that educators understand the impact of their words and actions, especially those related to marginalized groups such as the LGBT+ community. The teaching profession plays a vital role in shaping young minds, and as such, teachers must lead by example and show respect and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic. The case of James Gardner serves as a reminder of the ongoing work that must be done to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.