A teaching assistant, despite being on sick leave, attended a football training course that he had previously been denied permission to attend, as revealed during a professional standards hearing. Jamie Harris, an employee at Ysgol Bryn Castell in Bridgend, was discovered participating in the UEFA A license course through a social media post, leading to his dismissal. While Harris denied being dishonest, he admitted that his initial response lacked integrity.

The Education Workforce Council Wales hearing disclosed that Mr. Harris had pursued a spot on the prestigious Newport-based course for three years before finally securing a place. He had saved up £3,500 to cover the course fee after completing UEFA B and C license courses. The elite UEFA A license course, completed by renowned figures like Thierry Henry, was a significant achievement for Mr. Harris, a University of South Wales graduate with coaching experience at various football institutions.

During a challenging period in his life, Mr. Harris took paid sick leave from Ysgol Bryn Castell but maintained that his attendance at the course in June 2024 was during a genuine sick leave period due to personal issues. Despite his request for unpaid leave being denied, he believed attending the course would benefit him professionally and personally. Upon his return to work, he faced dismissal after his attendance at the course was exposed.

Although initially not fully forthcoming about the hours spent at the course, Mr. Harris later provided a complete account of his actions. He expressed regret over the situation but defended his intentions. Despite the circumstances, Mr. Harris acknowledged the unfavorable optics of attending the course while on sick leave. The hearing is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge.