Former headteacher Drew Povey, well-known for his appearance on the Channel 4 programme “Educating Greater Manchester,” has recently spoken out following a decision by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) that resulted in a ban on him and his brother, Ross Povey, from teaching. The TRA found the brothers guilty of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’, primarily related to allegations of ‘off-rolling’ three students to potentially bolster the school’s academic performance. Drew Povey expressed his disappointment at the ban, which prohibits him from teaching for a minimum of two years. Despite admitting to minor ‘administrative errors’, Povey strongly denied any deliberate misconduct in altering attendance data or off-rolling students.
After his departure from The Lowry Academy, where parents supported him and called for his return, Drew Povey faced the TRA’s ruling, which highlighted failures in record-keeping and safeguarding students. While Ross Povey was acquitted of attendance record modifications, other allegations against him were substantiated. During the proceedings, submissions acknowledged Drew Povey’s limited knowledge of regulations, portraying him as a weak school manager. The indefinite teaching ban imposed on the Povey brothers prevents them from working in educational or residential settings involving children in England. They have the option to request a review of this ban after two years.
In response to the TRA’s decision, Drew Povey reiterated his commitment to supporting students from challenging backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing children over data and academic outcomes. Although expressing deep sadness over the outcome, Povey stood firm on his stance against any deliberate wrongdoing or unethical practices during his tenure as a school leader. Character statements praising Drew Povey’s leadership qualities and dedication to students were presented during the proceedings, contrasting with criticisms of his managerial skills and compliance with regulations.
The Povey brothers now face a period of reflection and potential legal recourse as they evaluate their next steps in challenging the TRA’s ruling. While Drew Povey remains resolute in his defence of his educational philosophy and principles, the repercussions of the ban on his teaching career loom large, impacting not only his professional standing but also the communities and students he served. As the education sector navigates through this controversy, the case of the Povey brothers sheds light on the complexities and responsibilities inherent in school leadership and the delicate balance between performance metrics and student welfare.