A former Vancouver teacher has been barred for life from teaching after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a high school student.
A Vancouver teacher who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a student has been barred from the profession for life.
Robert Kyle Ledingham, who taught band, music and fitness, accepted the lifetime ban through a consent resolution with British Columbia’s teacher regulator.
The agreement was published online Tuesday.
Teacher pleaded guilty in 2024
Ledingham was arrested in September 2019 after allegations of sexual misconduct.
He originally faced two counts of sexual exploitation and one count of sexual assault. However, the two sexual exploitation charges were stayed after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault in 2024.
According to the agreement, the victim, identified only as Student A, did not attend the school where Ledingham taught. Instead, the student was volunteering there.
Sentence included house arrest
On March 10, 2025, Ledingham received a 15-month conditional sentence.
The sentence included house arrest and a curfew. It also barred him from seeking, accepting or keeping work or volunteer roles that would place him in a position of trust or authority over anyone under 18.
As a result, he could no longer work in roles that involved authority over children.
Lifetime teaching ban follows
Ledingham later entered the consent resolution agreement with the teacher regulator. In doing so, he admitted to professional misconduct and accepted a permanent ban from seeking a teaching certificate in B.C.’s K-12 education system.
The regulator said his actions represented a serious breach of the trust placed in him as an educator.
The agreement states that Ledingham abused his position of power and trust and caused harm to Student A’s physical and emotional safety.
It also notes that his conduct amounted to a criminal offence.
The lifetime ban means Ledingham cannot reapply for a teaching certificate within B.C.’s K-12 school system.
Support is available
People affected by sexual assault or trauma can seek help through local crisis, counselling and support services. Anyone in immediate danger should contact emergency services.
