Gregory Hill, who served as the head teacher of Howard Junior School for 16 years, has been banned from managing any independent schools. This decision follows a series of serious criminal convictions and misconduct that have raised significant concerns about his suitability for such a role.
In March 2023, Hill was arrested in front of parents and pupils at Howard Junior School, marking the beginning of a troubling series of events. He was jailed for 20 weeks in August 2024 for harassing a female colleague and was subsequently jailed again in January 2025 for breaching a restraining order, which resulted in an additional six-month sentence.
Bridget Phillipson, the Secretary of State for Education, stated, “In the opinion of the Secretary of State, these relevant convictions and this relevant conduct make Mr Hill unsuitable to take part in the management of an independent school.” She further emphasized that Hill had engaged in relevant conduct that included failing to follow statutory safeguarding procedures and creating an unsafe environment for children and staff.
On April 13, 2026, Hill was officially added to the Department for Education’s list of individuals barred from running schools. This action highlights the serious nature of his conduct, which has been described as creating an unsafe environment at Howard Junior School.
Hill also held the position of chief executive of the Apollo Academies Trust, raising further concerns about the governance of educational institutions under his leadership. Observers have noted that such a ban is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students in the educational system.
Following the ruling, Hill has three months to appeal the decision, although the likelihood of a successful appeal remains uncertain. The implications of this ban are significant, as it reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding children and maintaining standards in education.
As the situation develops, further statements from educational authorities and stakeholders are expected, particularly regarding the measures that will be taken to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
