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.

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!"