Teacher touched pupils’ legs and made them recite suggestive song lyrics

LocalPolitics
13 Mar 2026 • 10:53 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A former English teacher at Tonbridge School, James Coltella, was found to have touched pupils' legs and instructed them to sing inappropriate song lyrics.
  • Coltella had students sing sections of Charlie Puth's 'Marvin Gaye', which includes sexually suggestive lyrics, and was reported to have sought eye contact during this.
  • Pupils reported that Coltella would touch their knees and shoulders during one-to-one meetings, with one pupil recalling being asked for hugs multiple times, leading them to avoid him.
  • Referred to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), a professional conduct panel found nine of 25 allegations proven, concluding his behaviour amounted to serious misconduct.
  • Coltella attributed his 'tactile' nature to his Italian heritage and expressed remorse for any unintentional emotional harm, leading the panel to rule against banning him from the profession.

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