Ex-pupils support sacked crack cocaine Bristol teacher
Former pupils of a Bristol teacher sacked for cocaine use have set up a Facebook support group for a man many describe as "a top bloke" and "the best teacher ever".
William Horseman was teaching at the Ridings High School, Winterbourne, at the time he was using the Class A drug.
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Bristol teacher William Horseman used crack cocaine
At a hearing of the General Teaching Council (GTC) in Birmingham earlier this month, he admitted falling asleep during lessons and on a trip to Bristol Zoo, letting pupils home early and failing to attend a day of a summer school.
Mr Horseman, who taught at the Ridings High School for 25 years and who was not represented at the hearing, said he "had learnt his lesson" and wanted to move forward with his life and rebuild his reputation.
His cocaine habit was discovered when police were called to his flat after his car was stolen and he admitted using the drug. Mr Horseman has since given an undertaking that he will not use cocaine again.
The teacher avoided a ban from the classroom and now works at Merchants' Academy in Withywood, where principal Stephen Kings has pledged to stand by him.
Mr Kings said the school would follow a two-year conditional order imposed on Mr Horseman by the GTC following the hearing. The school has to report to the GTC confirming his satisfactory teaching conduct three times a year.
The group Facebook is called 'The Mr Horseman Appreciation Society'. It currently contains more than 430 members, many of who have written comments praising the maths teacher.
Some members of the group have also posted photographs of Mr Horseman, including one where he is arm-wrestling with a student in a classroom.
A typical comment is from Julie Bryant, 36, who said: "Mr Horseman was my teacher in 4th and 5th year at Ridings, he was brilliant and very caring, he even let us out for a fag brake...
"This is a shame this has happened but I hope he gets back on track soon. Take care Bill. XX"
Many of the group members recall Horseman's appearance on the television quiz show Bullseye and also remember him as a good rugby and swimming coach.
Ian Pennell, 32, set up the appreciation group and was the first person to write a comment on the site. He wrote: "I can't believe the news. Mr Horseman was and probably still is the best teacher of all time. Legend."
Another group member, Rupert Monyard, said: "Mr Horseman was a great teacher and a really nice guy. When I was at school he was a contestant on Bullseye the darts game but he got knocked out on the first round I think. He also used to take swimming club. He was a great laugh."
Rachel Sharvell-Jones, 27, added: "No wonder he was such a fun guy!"
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by Polly, scotland
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 3:02PM
“HELLO EVERYONE! he was wee good teacher, my great auntie bella in bristol told me he was fandabbedosie literally, great teacher but then the crack took over, dereee me”
by polly, Scotland
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 3:00PM
“he was a wee bit schleepy, but a great teacher so i heard from my great auntie in Bristol.”
by Tom Bird, Bristol
Saturday, February 28 2009, 3:31PM
“Although I cannot justify the taking of cocaine and only he will know why he did it. Credit has to be given to the fact that he admitted that he had a problem and that is the first step to recovery. I think that Merchants Academy have taken a risk and I think that it is justified. Mr Horseman is an exceptional teacher. He was my personal teacher and he was a great bloke. As my maths teacher did not want to offer statistics Mr Horseman voluntaried to take those who wanted to do it after school. He also gave up his time to coach a very succesful Rugby Team who ended up being the last state school in the Daily Mail Cup. Although at times he acted as one of the pupils people felt comfortable around him and could talk to him about anything and this is why he is very popular however people knew with him when the line was crossed. I am training to be a Barrister at UWE and I will not think twice about allowing my children to be taught by him. His maths skills are exceptional. I would challenge him at countdown with a calculator and he would still beat me without one. My parents thought he was outstanding and still do and if I ask them whether they would let me be taught by him now after what has happened they would not think twice about saying yes. I wish him all the best as he is a great bloke. Everyone deserves a second chance as were only human and make mistakes. Regards Tom Bird”
by not giving, bristol
Saturday, February 28 2009, 9:44AM
“Whilst I agree that this man may have been a good teacher in the students eyes, as a parent I wold be horrified and not condone 'letting out for a fag break' a good or morale way to teach, maybe it is not surprising if this is the attitiude of a 'good' teacher that children today are in the mess they are and are lacking in respect for authority figures. What was he hoping to achieve by doing this?? Dread to think what a 'bad' teacher would be like!!!!”
by Steve, Glastonbury
Friday, February 27 2009, 1:53PM
“Time to leave this guy alone now BEP. He is trying to get his life together and is due respect for doing so. Maybe you would do better to focus on the scum who make this evil substance available? Why not a Shop a Dealer Today campaign?”