UK Maths educator faces possible ban after public nude walk

Ellison Street, Hebburn, South Tyneside, Tyne (Courtesy: ChronicleLive)

• UK math teacher may face ban after walking naked in residential area
• TRA found misconduct and referred case to Secretary of State for Education
• Case sparks debate on personal freedom versus professional accountability

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A UK maths teacher, who was seen walking naked along a residential street in Hebburn, South Tyneside, is now facing a potential ban from the classroom following a disciplinary hearing by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). The hearing comes after the educator accepted a police caution for a public order offence tied to his behaviour.

The teacher, identified as Andrew Peacock, previously held the position of deputy head of the maths department at Hetton Academy, where he worked for more than a decade before resigning in 2024 ahead of internal disciplinary action.

According to evidence presented at the TRA hearing, Mr Peacock was spotted naked in a residential area on November 11, 2023, by passersby who were alarmed enough to call police. The witnesses told officers that after being seen on Ellison Street, he got into his car and drove up and down the road, causing members of the public to feel unsafe.

At the virtual hearing held on February 5, 2026, the TRA laid out four allegations against Mr Peacock. These included being naked in public, failing to report his arrest to his school, committing a criminal offence that led to a police caution, and behaving in a manner considered dishonest. The panel ultimately found all four claims proven and stated that his conduct amounted to misconduct and brought the teaching profession into disrepute.

In his defence, Mr Peacock described himself as a naturist and said he had been delivering food locally before choosing to walk toward a nearby river without clothing. He maintained that the act was not intended to be provocative or alarming.

However, the tribunal rejected many of his explanations. School leaders and witnesses told the panel he did not inform the academy about his arrest for more than a week, a delay that raised concerns about his judgment and understanding of professional responsibilities. One school representative said they were shocked by his claim that walking unclothed in a residential setting would not impact the school’s reputation.

The TRA has now referred the matter to the Secretary of State for Education, who will decide whether to impose a teaching ban, a penalty that could end Mr Peacock’s career in education. Legal and educational experts say the outcome may set a precedent for how off-duty behaviour is weighed against professional standards.

The case has prompted broader discussions about personal freedom and professional accountability, especially when behaviour outside of school borders intersects with public safety and the expectations placed on teachers.