A teaching assistant at Haverfordwest High has been permanently removed from the Education Workforce Council (EWC) register due to inappropriate conduct involving students. Samuel Davies, who worked under an apprenticeship with the agency Ap Prentis, engaged in inappropriate communication with two teenage pupils, requesting intimate photographs and expressing attraction towards them.
Davies, using the Snapchat alias “Sam Bear Davies”, sent a friend request to one student and later instructed her to keep quiet about his message. According to evidence presented at the EWC hearing, he wrote, “I want to see that body (smiling emoji) and a few pix maybe? xx,” and followed up with further requests for pictures. In a separate interaction, another student, referred to as Pupil A, received a message from Davies stating, “Oh hey, I am your teacher. Don’t tell anyone, I would get into trouble, but I think you’re really attractive.”
Inappropriate Behavior and Prior Allegations
The hearing, which took place virtually from December 8 to December 11, 2022, revealed a pattern of concerning behavior from Davies, including prior grievances where he allegedly offered underage students puffs from a vape. One student testified that the messages left her feeling uneasy and “mortified” to discuss them in the hearing.
Despite warnings from the school’s deputy head and safeguarding lead, Tracy Edwards, about his overly familiar behavior, Davies continued to engage in inappropriate messaging. Edwards described his integration into the school as initially positive, stating he was well-regarded by staff and students since starting in January 2022. However, by September 2022, following multiple hearsay complaints, she was forced to repeatedly address concerns about his professional boundaries.
The panel learned that Davies had been seen in the school’s sixth form section without permission, discussing venues where underage students could access alcohol. His appearance, which included visible tattoos and an earring, also raised eyebrows among staff.
Consequences and Future Actions
The situation escalated when students shared screenshots of Davies’ messages, leading to a formal complaint and his removal from the school in October 2022. Although Davies later stepped down from his position in January 2023, police investigations concluded without further action.
Davies did not participate in the EWC hearing nor did he provide legal representation. Consequently, all allegations were treated as contested. The committee found that his actions constituted unacceptable professional conduct, with several of the charges deemed sexually motivated.
Robert Newsome, chair of the committee, remarked on Davies’ lack of insight and remorse, stating, “Samuel Davies knew what he was doing was wrong.” He emphasized that Davies exploited his position of authority, targeting students under 16 and prioritizing his own interests over their well-being.
The committee’s decision bars Davies from seeking reinstatement for five years, although he retains the right to appeal this ruling in the High Court within 28 days. The case highlights the critical need for safeguarding measures in educational environments to protect students from inappropriate conduct by staff members.
