A FORMER Hampshire teacher has been banned from the profession after he was convicted of several child sex offences.

Nicholas Maunders, 29, was a teacher of maths at Frogmore Community College in Yateley.

In 2019 a pupil disclosed to the school that another student had been exchanging messages with a member of staff. The school informed Hampshire Constabulary and the Local Authority Designated Officer.

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Following the incident Nicholas was arrested in connection with the allegations and he was suspended while the investigations were carried out.

On November, 30 2019, he submitted his resignation, which was accepted by the school.

He was convicted of three counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

In a written statement he said: "I admit that I have been found guilty by the court, but I am still maintaining my innocence of all of the charges."

The panel also took account of the way the teaching profession is viewed by others. The panel considered that his behaviour in committing the offence would affect public confidence in the teaching profession, given the influence that teachers may have on pupils, parents and others in the community.

As part of the investigations, a professional conduct panel of the Teaching Regulation Agency set out to determine his future in the profession, the panel was held on April 7.

It was found that he should be banned from the profession for life.

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Alan Meyrick, on behalf of the Secretary State, said in the report: "In my judgement, the lack of full insight or remorse means that there is some risk of the repetition of this behaviour and this puts at risk the future wellbeing of pupils.”

On January, 8 2021, the former teacher was convicted at Salisbury Crown Court.

He is banned from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England.

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