A London teacher has been banned from the profession indefinitely after kissing and exchanging inappropriate text messages with a student.
Religious studies teacher Daniel Bowles, 35, was found guilty of “serious sexual misconduct” after a misconduct hearing.
He sent a series of text messages to a 17-year-old student while teaching at St Thomas More Catholic School in Purley, south London.
In one, he described the student as “cute”, while he ended others with an ‘x’ sign for a kiss, according to the panel.
The panel found that in another instance he said words to the effect of “should we?” before hugging the pupil.
“The panel finds Mr Bowles’ actions to have been serious sexual misconduct,” it said in a judgment.
“Mr Bowles’ conduct, as found proven, amounts to misconduct of a serious nature, falling significantly short of the standard of behaviour expected of a teacher.
“The panel is satisfied that Mr Bowles is guilty of unacceptable professional conduct,” the judgment added.
Mr Bowles admitted his actions and apologised for them, according to the judgment.
He is now prohibited from teaching in any school, sixth form college, youth accommodation or children's home in England.
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