SIX teachers from Swindon have faced disciplinary proceedings over the past two years – with no action taken in any of the cases.

They are among hundreds nationally likely to have their cases dropped by the General Teaching Council, which is being abolished at the end of the month.

A new regime will encourage schools to deal with disciplinary matters themselves, with only the most serious cases going further.

The Adver told last month how former Nyland School headteacher Paul Sunners was cleared following a three-year investigation.

He was accused of using inappropriate restraints on pupils at the special school in Nythe, but was found to have acted within guidelines by the GTC in a report critical of Swindon Council’s chief witness.

Five other teachers also faced investigations by the GTC, information obtained by the Adver under the Freedom of Information Act revealed.

The referrals were all made by the local authority, which has a duty to bring in the body when a teacher is dismissed or leaves for reasons of misconduct or incompetence.

All six cases were investigated by a committee, with three being sent on to a professional conduct and competence panel.

Of that number, one hearing is no longer being progressed and another has yet to take place – with time constraints looming with the abolition of the GTC.

In the final case it was decided that while unacceptable professional conduct had been proved, no disciplinary sanction was appropriate.

Criticism has been directed at the GTC over the amount of cases which are judged serious enough to refer – but then go no further.

The new Teaching Agency will try to streamline the process by hearing only the most serious misconduct allegations, including sexual and criminal behaviour, that could result in teachers being struck off.

This does not include most of the 323 cases referred from schools nationally since August. Just 35 are scheduled to be passed over to the new body.

A teacher from Swindon who was referred to the GTC, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s very much about the uncertainty, which manifests itself in significant amounts of anxiety.

“I felt isolated and helpless to affect any change and the potential to lead people into a serious mental health situation should not be underestimated.

“The experience I have had has been profound for many, many reasons and there have been some unexpected positive outcomes, but I wouldn't wish that experience on any caring professional.”

A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said: “No teacher whose standards fall below an acceptable level will go unpunished.

"All serious cases of misconduct that could lead to teachers being barred will be transferred to the new Teaching Agency if the GTC does not have time to conclude them. Where appropriate, all other cases will have been dealt with at a local level.

“The existing system does not work – it constantly gets bogged down in the bureaucracy of minor cases instead of dealing quickly with the most serious referrals.”