Teacher banned for 'sexually motivated' messages

A man has been banned indefinitely from teaching after a panel found he had sent "sexually motivated" messages to a student.

Kerim Brown, 44, who taught at Garth Hill College in Bracknell, Berkshire, communicated with a pupil using social media.

The panel found that the aim of his messages "appeared to be the instigation of a sexual relationship" and constituted "serious sexual misconduct".

Sarah Buxcey, from the Department for Education, said the seriousness of the proven allegations meant Mr Brown would not be able to apply to teach again.

The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) heard he had been teaching science at the school since September 2018.

It was told Mr Brown initiated contact with the pupil on Instagram, and sent her a number of messages, including a topless photo of himself.

The panel saw a message from Mr Brown where he wrote: "I'm not allowed to communicate with students whilst they're on roll. But as soon as you're not... you're in trouble."

The panel also considered allegations from 2014 when he was employed at Waingels College in Woodley.

Those included asking students if they were going to have a bath or shower together, and saying words to the effect of "I heard you lost your virginity".

Ms Buxcey said Mr Brown was "prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England".

"In my view, it is necessary to impose a prohibition order in order to maintain public confidence in the profession," she added.

Mr Brown was not present and was not represented at the hearing.