New ArticlesSchoolsCharles Miles, 64, who taught at the north London school for nearly 40 years, stressed that he used crystal meth to “relax”, and said his use was “pretty controlled”03:30, 28 Aug 2026A private school teacher who admitted using crystal meth told bosses he was “not addicted” and used the drug to “relax”, a tribunal heard. Primary teacher Charles Miles, 64, worked at Dwight School in north London when he called police to report “water bulging” at his home in Hackney. Officers attended his home in November 2024 and social workers later reported that it was “clear” that the English and learning support teacher “smokes crystal meth”, a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel heard. The report said Mr Miles was “impacted by ongoing class A drug use” and used crystal meth “on weekends”, but said there was no report of any harm to children.‌‌Mr Miles went to a meeting with the school in January 2025, the tribunal heard, and notes of the meeting seen by the panel recorded the teacher saying: “They’re concerned about that crystal meth use but as I am trying to explain I am not addicted to it.” The 64-year-old, who taught at the school for nearly 40 years, stressed that he used crystal meth to “relax”, and said his use was “pretty controlled”. Mr Miles admitted he had used the drug while he worked as a teacher and that this amounted to “unacceptable professional conduct” and the panel ruled that he had committed serious misconduct. Though Mr Miles retired at the end of the school year in summer 2025, in a written decision, published on Thursday, the TRA panel ruled he should be banned from teaching indefinitely.‌Article continues belowThe tribunal said Mr Miles had “limited insight and/or remorse” about his drug use after ruling that “Mr Miles’ view had been that his drug use was a private matter, separate from his professional engagement as a teacher”. He can apply to have the ban reviewed in five years. Chris Beddows, head of Dwight School London, said: “We wish to reiterate to you that the matters detailed in the TRA report relate entirely to Mr Miles’ personal life outside of school. “The school was proactive in its actions and told Mr Miles not to return to work from October 2024, as serious concerns around his fitness to work in our school were immediately noted upon arrival on his first day back to work after our two-week half term break. “It was after this time that the drug allegations surfaced, and we subsequently collaborated with the relevant local authority and agencies leading to the TRA referral which happened in June 2025. “Mr Miles did not report to school at any time after October 2024. Mr Miles’ conduct occurred entirely outside of the school, and the school was not aware of these personal matters during their time with us. “At no point was there any impact on our students’ safety and wellbeing.”Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Half TermEducationSchoolsSocial workersFitness