Shrewsbury college head backs lifetime teaching ban decision

Martin Ward, principal at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, gave evidence against Matthew Comerford at a Teaching Agency disciplinary panel before it found him guilty in his absence of 'unacceptable professional conduct'.

This included sexual contact, while at the college.

Education Secretary Michael Gove said the 37-year-old film and media teacher had brought the teaching profession into disrepute after he sent the girl, named only as Student A, personal messages on Facebook.

Mr Ward revealed today the teacher was suspended from the Shrewsbury college in March last year as soon as allegations came to light and investigations were launched. Mr Comerford later resigned.

The principal said the school had treated the allegations 'very seriously' and that it provided support for the student and her family throughout the ordeal.

He said: "Mr Comerford was immediately suspended and an in-depth investigation was initiated. During the college's internal investigation Mr Comerford offered his resignation, which was accepted.

"The college immediately informed the appropriate safeguarding authority and has fully co-operated with all requests for information.

"The college takes extremely seriously its responsibilities with regard to the safeguarding of all students in its care.

"Indeed, all staff are CRB-checked prior to any contact with students and they are issued with – and given full training on – the college's code of conduct.

"We took the investigation very seriously and I concur with the decision that has been made."

The panel described the student as probably 'lacking in confidence' when it came to relationships of the opposite sex.

Mr Comerford, who was also a football coach at the college, was said to have met the student outside school on more than one occasion, including at his home, and kissed her at least once.

But he denied having sexual contact with her on at least one occasion.