Charles Richard Miles, an English teacher at Dwight School in London, has been banned from teaching after admitting to smoking crystal meth on weekends. The 64-year-old teacher, who had worked at the school for 40 years, reported his drug use to school officials, stating he was not addicted and used it to relax. However, police discovered evidence of his drug use at his flat, prompting the school to report him to the Teaching Regulation Agency.
The professional conduct panel expressed concerns regarding Mr. Miles' presentation, wellbeing, and professional functioning. Although there was no evidence that students were harmed, the panel concluded that his repeated drug use affected his fitness to teach. In November 2024, police visited his Hackney flat after he reported concerns about water damage, during which they noted evidence of his drug use.
Mr. Miles acknowledged his drug use in a meeting with school officials, but he maintained that it was a private matter. The panel found that he lacked insight into his actions and did not show remorse, nor was there evidence of attempts to seek help for his drug use. The panel recommended that he be prohibited from teaching to protect students and maintain public confidence in the teaching profession.
The Secretary of State for Education accepted the recommendation, and Mr. Miles, now retired, may apply for a review of the ban in five years. Methamphetamine, known as crystal meth, is a stimulant that can lead to serious health risks, including brain damage and overdose.