Educating Manchester teacher struck off after Ofsted investigation

A teacher who gained fame through his appearance on the TV documentary series “Educating Manchester” has been banned from teaching as a result of an investigation by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted).

Drew Povey, who was previously praised for his kindness and charisma, has been found guilty of manipulating student statistics by removing pupils from the school register to portray a better performance for Harrop Fold School in Salford, Greater Manchester.

In the first series of “Educating Manchester” in 2017, Povey was depicted supporting teenagers through their school years, including persuading a student to complete her exams despite her initial intention to leave school early.

However, the second series aired in November 2020 showed Povey resigning amid allegations of ‘off-rolling’ students, leading to the school being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Channel 4 consequently decided not to air these episodes.

Following the investigation, it has been confirmed that Povey and his brother Ross, who served as an assistant head, have been prohibited from teaching in schools, colleges, youth accommodation, or children’s homes in England. They may apply to have this ban lifted in October 2026.

The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) alleged that the brothers engaged in “unacceptable professional conduct” by off-rolling students, ultimately improving the school’s performance data. Despite Povey denying the accusations, the panel found him guilty of failing to maintain accurate records and intentionally putting students at risk through his actions.

Off-rolling is a controversial practice where students are removed from the school register, often to benefit the establishment rather than the students’ welfare. This can involve pressuring parents to withdraw their child from the school.

The repercussions of this investigation serve as a cautionary tale for educators and highlight the importance of maintaining ethical standards and prioritising the well-being of students in educational settings.

My insights:
It is disheartening to see a teacher, who was once viewed in a positive light, succumb to unethical practices for the sake of statistics. The case of Drew Povey serves as a reminder of the responsibility educators hold in nurturing and supporting students, rather than manipulating data for personal gain. This incident underscores the need for stringent oversight and accountability measures in the education sector to ensure that students’ best interests are always prioritised.