Adobe StockA computing teacher has admitted kissing and cuddling a 16-year-old schoolgirl with whom he struck up a developing friendship, because he was “lonely”.
Jordan Vaughn was under investigation by the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS), which has now released a report.
Vaughn, who worked as a computing teacher at an unnamed Scottish high school, first met Pupil A at a pub back in October 2023, but said he did not realise she was 16.
He told the GTCS at a hearing that was “very lonely” following a break-up and was seeking to make new friends.
After he exchanged numbers with Pupil A, he realised that she was only 16. Although she was not a student at his school, she did attend another school in the same local authority.
The allegations against Vaughn stated that he formed a physical relationship with Pupil A and on November 13, he hugged her and on November 17, while at his home, he kissed her and the pair snuggled in bed.
He also cuddled Pupil A on the sofa while watching a movie.
Vaughn had Pupil A over to his house several times, and would pick her up from school, take her out to lunch and drive her to work.
During the month the pair were in contact, they exchanged over 1,500 messages, with Vaughn asking for back scratches, cuddles, and sleepovers. Messages between the pair continued until December 4.
Vaughn accepted most of the allegations but denied several, including that his actions were sexually motivated and that he was “hunting” Pupil A when he turned up at her school.
He gave evidence to the GTCS that he wanted friendship from Pupil A and that the trip to her school was prearranged.
Vaughn admitted that they did share a kiss and a cuddle but that was an isolated incident and was not repeated.
He also said that he overstepped the mark and after the kiss found “some sense returning” and pretended to be sick to try and break off contact with Pupil A.
Colleague C, the deputy head of Vaughn’s school, gave evidence about what he had discussed with Vaughn after being made aware of the relationship.
He told the GTCS that Vaughn was “open and forthcoming” about many aspects of the situation; however, he did not mention the kiss.
He explained to the panel that a few days later, Vaughn came forward and admitted to kissing Pupil A.
Vaughn also shared the many text messages exchanged between him and Pupil A.
The GTCS panel concluded that Vaughn’s actions were not sexually motivated.
Vaughn made clear that once he knew the girl’s age, he should have ended the relationship.
He also confirmed he was no longer teaching and was working in residential care, which had given him insight into his actions.
The GTCS handed him a conditional registration order, which imposes restrictions on his teaching license for one year.
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