Bernard Aquilina, a 35-year-old computer science teacher at Cove Secondary School in Hampshire, England, has been banned from teaching indefinitely after slapping a student who laughed at a classmate struggling to answer a question.
The incident occurred on February 5, 2024, and was confirmed by eight student statements and CCTV footage. The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) found him guilty of unacceptable professional conduct, citing limited remorse and lack of insight into his actions. Aquilina was removed from the school in May 2024 and may apply to lift the ban in September 2029.
Incident and Evidence
The TRA panel heard that Aquilina approached the student, clapped, and said “Well done” before delivering a hard slap to the cheek. The student stated, “I laughed because he was struggling. Mr Aquilina came over to me, clapping, saying, ‘Well done.’
He then slapped me on the cheek”. Another student recalled, “I saw Mr Aquilina approach Pupil A and state to him: ‘If you’re being disrespectful, then I can too.’ Pupil A replied: ‘What have I done wrong? I only laughed.’ Mr Aquilina then slapped Pupil A with his open left hand on the left cheek. This was a hard slap and I could hear it loudly from where I was sat”.
CCTV footage and notes from the school’s review supported the students’ accounts, confirming the physical contact and classroom context.
Ruling and Institutional Response
The TRA panel concluded that Aquilina’s actions constituted a criminal offence and breached his duty of care and professional boundaries. Decision maker Marc Cavey stated, “In my judgement, the lack of evidence that Mr Aquilina has developed full insight into his behaviour means that there is some risk of the repetition of this behaviour and this puts at risk the future wellbeing of pupils”.
The panel found no evidence of exceptional contribution to offset the misconduct, deeming the ban proportionate and appropriate. A spokesperson for Cove School affirmed that pupil safety is their top priority and welcomed the outcome as a reflection of the seriousness with which such conduct is treated.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
No child should fear physical punishment at school. While classroom discipline is essential, it must never cross into violence. Teachers hold a position of trust, and their actions shape young minds far beyond textbooks. A slap, even in frustration, teaches fear, not respect.
