A private school teacher who committed a violent assault while under the influence of alcohol has been handed an indefinite ban by a misconduct panel.

Andrew Dixon, 26, worked as a PE teacher, boarding tutor and head of house at St Joseph’s College, Ipswich.

A Education Regulatory Agency (TRA) hearing revealed he was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in March 2023, after an incident at school in December 2022.

Before making its decision, the committee noted that Mr Dixon’s behavior was likely to have “impacted on the safety and security of students”.

The panel heard how Mr Dixon, who was neither present nor represented, went out for drinks with colleagues after work on December 16, 2022.

He returned to campus “under the influence of alcohol” but, instead of going to his official accommodation, he arrived in a common room where a group of 24 Spanish students were staying.

At around 2240 GMT, Mr Dixon was involved in a fight with a male member of staff at a holiday company who he did not recognize and was “suspicious of”, the panel heard.

The following day he was arrested at the college before admitting a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court.

The victim reportedly suffered jaw pain, which may have required surgery, a broken thumb and several bruises.

Mr Dixon, who was dismissed by the college after a disciplinary hearing, was not sentenced to prison but was ordered to pay an undisclosed fine and compensation.

“Ashamed and sorry”

The panelists reviewed written statements submitted by students who said they “felt a sense of shock” upon witnessing the incident.

The panel concluded that Mr Dixon had failed to “uphold high standards of conduct and serve as a role model”.

They noted, however, that “the seriousness of the offense was at the lower end of the spectrum” and that Mr Dixon had since “indicated his willingness to seek help”.

She also took into consideration the remorse shown by Mr Dixon and that he was “ashamed of his actions” and was “extremely sorry”.

Mr Dixon was banned from teaching in any school, sixth form college, youth home or children’s home in England.

If he wishes to return to teaching, he will be able to appeal the decision, but not before 2026.

St Joseph’s College has been contacted for comment.

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