A private school teacher who carried out a violent attack while under the influence of alcohol has been banned indefinitely by a misconduct panel.

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

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

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

The panel heard how Mr Dixon, who was not present or represented, went out for a drink with colleagues after work on December 16, 2022.

He returned to campus “under the influence of alcohol” but instead of going to his staff accommodation, ended up in a shared room where a group of 24 Spanish students had been staying.

At around 22:40 GMT, Mr Dixon was involved in an argument with a member of staff from a holiday company he did not recognize and about whom he was “suspicious”, the commission heard.

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

The victim was left with jaw pain that would have required surgery, a broken thumb and multiple bruises.

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

“Shame and I’m sorry”

Experts considered written statements submitted by students who said they “felt a sense of shock” while witnessing the incident.

The panel concluded that Mr Dixon did not “uphold high standards of conduct and act as a role model”.

However, they noted that “the seriousness of the offense was at the lower end of the spectrum” and Mr Dixon had since “shown his willingness to seek support”.

It also considered the remorse shown by Mr Dixon and that he was “ashamed of his actions” and was “extremely sorry”.

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

If he wants to return to teaching, he can appeal the decision, but not until 2026.

St Joseph’s College has been contacted for comment.

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