A MUSIC teacher who admitted falsifying pupils' books ahead of an inspection was guilty of "unacceptable professional conduct", a tribunal found earlier today.

Lyndon Powell worked at Oakdale Comprehensive School until April last year after it was discovered he put different names on six year seven pupils' workbooks that were to be inspected.

Mr Powell also admitted he changed dates on workbooks so he could resubmit pupils' work from the year before.

The Education Workforce Council's Fitness to Practise Committee met in Cardiff earlier today to hear Mr Powell's case.

The panel found him guilty of three allegations that he deliberately falsified pupils' books, acting dishonestly and, because of that, engaged in "unacceptable professional conduct".

But Mr Powell told the hearing he was under stress which caused an error of judgement.

The actions all took place during the academic year 2013 to 2014.

The panel heard how the books Mr Powell changed were to be submitted to both an internal inspection and also to the Education Achievement Service which would then be provided to Estyn.

Chair Richard Parry Jones said: "It's a serious matter which had the potential to undermine the credibility of the school and damage trust in the profession."

Yvette Watkins, a learning coach at the school, told the committee the issue was first raised when two year seven pupils came to her claiming the books with their names on did not contain their work.

Ms Watkins said: "They told me it was not their handwriting inside the books. When I took the books I could see their names had been written on sticky labels.

"When I opened the books I saw there were different names inside the books. The two pupils were shocked and clearly very confused."

An investigation by Emma Paskell, business manager at the school, found Mr Powell had used workbooks from the previous year's pupils who were now in year eight.

But former paramedic Powell, who qualified as a teacher in 2009 when he started at Oakdale, claims he was suffering from stress which caused a lapse in judgement.

Carys Williams, representing Mr Powell, said: "Mr Powell was quite a new teacher with four years experience. He was the sole music teacher, effectively running a whole department, and involved in a number of extra curricular activities."

Ms Williams suggested it was a case where Mr Powell had "spread himself too thinly".

Headteacher Chris David agreed and said Powell was a "one man band" but added the school has a "robust and sound system" and open door policy where staff could come and discuss any pressures.

Mr Powell claimed he mentioned concerns to the headteacher ahead of the deadline to submit the books in February 2014, but Mr David said: "I thought it was a little bit of banter between Lyndon and myself, I didn't realise he was indicating pressures."

Today Mr David said: "I was very concerned Lyndon had not had the sense to come to me or anyone else to explain the pressures that he had been under, to the extent that he felt he needed to falsify books".

Giving his evidence, Mr Powell said: "It was both foolish and stupid of me which was totally out of character.

"I'm deeply remorseful for my actions and wish now I had not been too proud to seek help.

"The events are etched in my memory forever."

The tribunal continues tomorrow when the panel will decide what sanctions Mr Powell will face.