For eight years, Leanne Wilson dedicated herself to the students of Holbrook School for Autism, a Derbyshire school specializing in supporting children with unique needs. She was known amongst colleagues, parents, and pupils as a teacher who truly made a difference.
The situation unfolded in May of 2023 when a staff member stumbled upon an Instagram account operating under the alias “Sophie Palmer.” The account appeared through Instagram’s “people you may know” suggestion feature, sparking an investigation that would dramatically alter Wilson’s career.
Screenshots were taken of the profile, and a colleague quickly recognized the teacher in the images. Upon accessing the link, it became clear the account led to a page offering paid-for content on a popular platform.
The profile contained what the panel described as “clear reference” to her profession as a secondary school teacher, a detail that raised serious concerns about professional boundaries and conduct.
Wilson was immediately suspended on May 16th, 2023, and within ten days, she tendered her resignation. The events triggered a professional misconduct hearing where she ultimately admitted to the allegations against her.
The panel determined that Wilson had breached professional standards, specifically those concerning upholding public trust and maintaining high ethical standards both inside and outside of the school environment. Her actions were deemed to fall “significantly short” of expected teacher behavior.
Despite the serious nature of the breach, the panel acknowledged Wilson’s positive impact on her students. Testimonials painted a picture of a teacher deeply invested in their well-being, going above and beyond academic instruction.
One parent described a “close therapeutic relationship” with their child, noting Wilson’s ability to nurture self-confidence and facilitate a crucial transition to adulthood. The parent expressed concern that losing such a teacher would be a significant loss to the special needs community.
A former pupil echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Wilson’s dedication to personal growth and her ability to build strong relationships based on trust and respect. They described her as a uniquely impactful educator.
Crucially, there was no evidence to suggest that any students or parents had actually viewed the Instagram account in question. This detail, combined with the overwhelming positive feedback regarding her teaching, played a role in the panel’s final decision.
Ultimately, the panel concluded that a prohibition order – a ban from teaching – would be disproportionate and not in the public interest. While acknowledging the seriousness of the misconduct, they recognized the value Wilson brought to her students and the lack of direct harm caused.
