A former maths teacher who was jailed for sexual offences against two schoolboys, including one she had a baby with, has been banned from the classroom for life.
Crimes and Court Proceedings
Rebecca Joynes, 31, began teaching at the school where her victims were pupils in 2018. She taught children aged between 11 and 18. The court heard she taught both boys, known only as Pupil A and Pupil B, mathematics while they were in Year 11.
Criminal proceedings began in October 2021. It was established that Joynes engaged in sexual activity, including penetrative sex, with Pupil A on 15 October 2021. The incident was reported to the police, leading to her suspension from the school the following week. She was subsequently placed under police bail conditions.
Further Offences While on Bail
Despite these bail conditions, Joynes initiated contact with a second 15-year-old pupil, Pupil B, in late 2021. In January 2022, two further instances of sexual activity between Joynes and Pupil B occurred. After Pupil B turned 16 in February 2022, they engaged in regular sexual activity, including penetrative sex.
This relationship continued after Pupil B left school in June 2022 and only ended in June 2023. Crucially, Joynes became pregnant with Pupil B's child in March 2023.
Sentencing and Lifetime Ban
In July, Joynes was sentenced to six and a half years in prison at Manchester Crown Court after being found guilty of six sexual offences against the two boys.
A Teaching Regulation Agency panel, chaired by Philip Thompson, subsequently considered her case. The panel noted the "serious and potentially longstanding harmful impact" on the children. It referenced a pre-sentence report stating Pupil B's life trajectory was "forever altered," with the victim saying he would "forever be Rebecca’s victim."
The sentencing judge concluded both pupils had been groomed and controlled by Joynes. The panel also highlighted that the offences against Pupil B were committed while she was on bail for those involving Pupil A, demonstrating "scant regard for the seriousness of her actions."
Marc Cavey, deciding on behalf of the Education Secretary, imposed the lifetime prohibition order. He stated: "There was no evidence of insight, remorse or remediation from Ms Joynes." He concluded the lack of remorse presented a risk of repeated behaviour, endangering the future wellbeing of pupils.
The ban prevents Joynes from ever teaching in schools, sixth form colleges, or other relevant educational institutions in England.
