A physical education teacher at a prestigious £48,000-a-year private boarding school in Carmarthenshire resigned following an investigation into claims of breaching professional boundaries with pupils. Lowri Williams, 27, faced nine allegations during her tenure as a teacher and rugby coach at Llandovery College, spanning events from September 2023 to March 2024.
Boundary Violations Alleged
Investigators examined incidents where Williams allegedly encouraged a pupil to deceive their housemistress, shared details of personal relationships, and displayed her underwear to students. She reportedly invited pupils into her hotel room, answered the door while not fully dressed, inquired about their dating lives, discussed her weekends, and showed videos from her nights out.
London Tournament Incident
During the under-16s rugby team’s trip to the Rosslyn Park tournament in London on March 17, Pupil E described visiting Williams’ hotel room for 15 minutes due to pre-game nerves. Williams was folding clothes, including underwear, while dressed in a t-shirt and shorts. Another pupil complimented the underwear, prompting a conversation about relationships. Williams mentioned speaking to someone but provided no further details.
Safety Protocol Breaches
Concerns also arose over safety during the tournament. Simon Bodley, the school’s former medical centre manager, noted that he received no injury reports physios as per standard protocol. Yet, five girls sought treatment post-event, including head injuries. Pupil F reported being kicked in the head but felt compelled to continue playing.
Johanna Edwards, former deputy head, launched an internal probe into unreported injuries. Williams resigned amid this investigation. Notably, the girls appeared cheerful on the return minibus, singing throughout the journey, as captured in video footage.
Praise Amid Allegations
Despite the issues, Edwards highlighted Williams’ strong rapport with pupils. “She did everything I asked and more, putting the girls first with good humour and dedication,” Edwards stated.
Additional Incidents
Allegations extended beyond London to a rugby match at Principality Stadium in Cardiff and a netball game at Christ College Brecon. The Education Workforce Council hearing into these matters continues.
