A teacher at one of the most outstanding state schools in the country has been sacked over allegations of a sexual relationship with a young pupil.
The woman was immediately fired over the reported inappropriate contact with a teenage boy at Chiswick School.
She had been a popular staff member at the school, which is in an affluent area of west London and ranked in the top 3 per cent of schools in the country.
But it is understood that the boy, who is in his early teens, came forward to tell another staff member about contact from the teacher and showed messages from her which were of a sexual nature.
After examining the boy’s phone, senior staff immediately escalated the complaint, launching a formal internal investigation, culminating in the teacher being formally dismissed earlier this week.
A letter explaining the dismissal was sent to parents of the school’s 1,200 pupils by Chiswick headteacher Laura Ellener this week.
It read: ‘I wanted to make you aware that we have recently dealt with an allegation involving a member of staff with the utmost care and seriousness.
‘We have followed all required procedures and made the necessary referrals. As a result, the member of staff has left the school with immediate effect.’
The teacher was immediately fired over the reported inappropriate contact with a teenage boy at Chiswick School (pictured)
Despite the letter not naming the teacher, it is believed the vast majority of pupils and parents are now aware the letter concerns her.
Ms Ellener wrote: ‘I am very conscious that there is some rumour and misinformation circulating.
‘Our students should be praised for the mature and respectful way in which they are dealing with this.
‘I would ask all families to reiterate to young people the importance of not engaging in gossip, speculation, or sharing unverified information.’ She added that she would not be able to comment further.
But the headteacher assured parents that she and staff at the school ‘remain fully committed to ensuring that Chiswick School continues to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, professionalism and care for every child.’
Despite these assurances, there is concern amongst some parents about the incident.
One told the Daily Mail: ‘Parents are very worried about what’s happened.
'There are all kinds of rumours about exactly what happened – and none of this is good for the school or, more importantly, the pupils.
‘There are even rumours that some of the messages and pictures sent by the teacher to this pupil are being circulated.’
Another said: ‘The school needs to urgently look at its safeguarding procedures because something has gone horribly wrong.’