A disciplinary panel of the Education Workforce Council Wales has removed secondary-school teacher Alice Ashton from the teaching register after finding that she drank alcohol, swore at pupils and ordered them to dance the Macarena during a personal and social education lesson at Ysgol Bro Caereinion in Welshpool. Testimony from several 16-year-old students and CCTV footage presented to the hearing showed Ashton repeatedly swigging an orange-coloured liquid that smelled of alcohol from a water bottle, blaring music and calling the class “little s***s.” Witnesses said she became increasingly animated, put a middle finger close to one student’s face and turned the session into what pupils described as a “mini-rave.” The panel concluded that Ashton’s conduct amounted to unacceptable professional behaviour and struck her off indefinitely, although she may apply for readmission after two years. Ashton, who did not attend the hearing and offered no apology, had been convicted of drink-driving four months before the January 2024 lesson.
Forced students to dance to the Macarena?!?! Arrest her NOW! https://t.co/8T22avQZcW
Forced their students to dance to the Macarena?! Arrested them NOW! https://t.co/ItuveJRDHJ
Outrageous! Forcing students to dance to the Macarena should be a crime! https://t.co/J5WF9xZ6gz