A shocking school story out of Newport has left many in disbelief. Scott Trigg-Turner, a learning support assistant at Bassaleg School and a notable wheelchair rugby player, has been struck off after telling pupils wild tales about being a military killer named “Kill Switch.” Despite his claims being untrue, Trigg-Turner has been barred from working in schools or colleges in Wales for at least two years after a professional standards hearing found he had abused his position of trust.
The former staff member had allegedly told a class of 12 to 13-year-olds that he owned a gun and had killed people, stories which the hearing panel found to be without substance. The revelations came after complaints from his colleagues. Despite these allegations, some teachers lauded his ability to engage with students and manage behaviour issues, describing him as a well-liked team member.
The hearing also discovered inconsistencies in his stories about how he became a wheelchair user, along with accusations of showing favouritism. More serious claims of influencing exam answers were not proven.
Panel chair Helen Beard-Robbins criticised both Trigg-Turner for his deliberate actions and the school for not addressing complaints sooner. It was suggested that earlier intervention could have given him a chance to change his ways. Unfortunately, Trigg-Turner didn’t attend the hearing, leaving the allegations effectively unchallenged.
While Trigg-Turner has since moved on to work at Cardiff and Vale College, his actions at Bassaleg have led to his removal from the Education Workforce Council register. He has the right to appeal within 28 days, but as of now, his teaching career hangs in the balance.
This serves as a reminder of the impact of words and the importance of maintaining professional integrity in educational settings. Striking a balance between engaging students and telling tall tales is crucial in nurturing an environment of trust and respect.