Barnet Teacher Banned Indefinitely for Crystal Meth Use
Charles Miles, 64, admitted using the Class A drug on weekends to 'relax' before being dismissed from Dwight School.
Trust 50Craft 60Hype 45How this was reported ▾
The central claim is attributed to a TRA panel and a document, but lacks named sources or independent outlets.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
The article explains why the matter is important and names the responsible body and individuals involved.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
The headline is direct and reflects the content, with mild sensationalism in the adjective 'sacked'.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
1 source assessed · methodology
A primary school teacher who worked at Dwight School in Barnet has been banned from teaching indefinitely after admitting to using crystal meth. Charles Miles, 64, was dismissed from the north London school following a ruling by a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel.
The panel heard evidence that Mr Miles used crystal meth on weekends to 'relax'. Police attended his home in East London in November 2024 for an unrelated matter, which led to social workers reporting their belief that the teacher "smokes crystal meth". The TRA report stated Mr Miles was "impacted by ongoing class A drug use" but noted there was no report of harm to children.
Barnet flats keep pumping sewage into rivers as mayor funds pilot
Two blocks in the borough still discharge waste while the mayor of London has pledged £2.7 million for a three‑year dedicated officer scheme to enforce repairs.
During a meeting with the school in January 2025, Mr Miles, who had taught at Dwight School for nearly 40 years, stated: “They’re concerned about that crystal meth use but as I am trying to explain - I am not addicted to it.” He maintained his use was "pretty controlled" and a private matter separate from his professional duties.
The TRA panel found that Mr Miles' conduct amounted to "unacceptable professional conduct" and serious misconduct. The report highlighted a strong public interest in safeguarding pupils, maintaining confidence in the teaching profession, and upholding proper standards, given the findings of Class A drug use.
Although Mr Miles retired at the end of the academic year in summer 2025, the TRA panel ruled he should be banned from teaching. The panel stated Mr Miles had "limited insight and/or remorse" regarding his drug use. He is permitted to apply for a review of the ban in five years.
Barnet Council Considers 5% Tax Hike, Fortnightly Bin Collections
A projected £200 million deficit prompts "painful" decisions, with residents invited to a Barnet Question Time event.
Questions this report answers
+Why has Charles Miles been banned from teaching?
Charles Miles, a primary teacher at Dwight School in Barnet, has been banned from teaching indefinitely after admitting to using crystal meth on weekends. A Teaching Regulation Agency panel found his actions constituted serious misconduct.
+When can Charles Miles apply to teach again?
Although banned indefinitely, Charles Miles can apply to have the teaching ban reviewed after a period of five years has passed since the ruling.
+Did Charles Miles' drug use affect pupils?
The Teaching Regulation Agency panel heard evidence that Charles Miles used crystal meth on weekends. The report noted there was no indication of harm to children resulting from his drug use.
Barnet Press News Desk
This article was written at the Barnet Press news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs Barnet PressCorrections
Barnet conditions
Loading live conditions…
More Coverage in Council & Politics