Publication date: 18 May 2026

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 23 April 2026, have found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proven against School Teacher, Richard Paterson.     

The Committee found the following allegations proven:

1. on or around April to June 2025, Mr Paterson made comments and/or sent messages of an intimidating and/or threatening nature to person A
2. as a result of his conduct at paragraph 1, Mr Paterson agreed to a Community Resolution for the offence of sending a communication threatening death or serious harm, contrary to section 181 of the Online Security Act 2023, requiring Mr Paterson to attend an alcohol awareness course

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Mr Paterson’s registration as a School Teacher, for a period of 2 years (from 23 April 2026 to 23 April 2028). As such, Mr Paterson will be able to work as a School Teacher in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales during the period of the Reprimand.

Mr Paterson has a right of appeal to High Court within 28 days.