How Educating Manchester teacher went from 'breath of fresh air' to being struck off

Drew Povey's suspension at then Harrop Fold School in Salford, Greater Manchester, was featured in the second Educating Manchester series - and now he's been banned from the profession

A teacher who featured in Channel 4 documentary Educating Manchester was once described as "a breath of fresh air" - but now he has been banned from the whole profession.

Drew Povey was praised in numerous character references for his charisma and kindness. The headteacher was seen in the first series of Educating Manchester, which aired in 2017, dutifully supporting teenagers through their school years, including their GCSEs. He even persuaded one Year 11 to complete her exams when she wanted to leave Harrop Fold School in Salford, Greater Manchester, early.

But in the second series, which was broadcast in November 2020, Mr Povey resigned as a result of allegations of off-rolling students, forcing Harrop Fold School to be placed in special measures by Ofsted. Channel 4 later confirmed that these episodes would not be aired as a result of the findings. Harrop Fold School is now known as The Lowry Academy.

And, on Wednesday, it was confirmed Mr Povey and his brother Ross, who was assistant head, have now been banned from teaching altogether - at schools, colleges, youth accommodation or children's homes in England. They can apply to have this ban lifted, but not until October 30, 2026.

The off-rolling allegations were proven, although the teacher had denied them. The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) accused the brothers of "unacceptable professional conduct" after allegations surfaced that pupils were being removed from the school register in a practice known as "off-rolling".

A panel found that this removal of students likely improved the school's performance data, including GCSE results. Despite denying all allegations, Mr Povey, who resigned in 2018 following his suspension, has now had all charges against him proven by the TRA. This includes failing to maintain accurate records and thereby potentially putting pupils at risk. His actions were deemed 'deliberate'.

Off-rolling is when pupils are removed from the school register. Off-rolling is a controversial practice. It sometimes sees pupils who may be from a disadvantaged background or struggling in school removed for the benefit of the establishment rather than the student's own welfare. Sometimes parents can feel pressured in to taking their child out of the school.