THE former husband of a headmistress has been banned from teaching at any school in England, after forming a relationship with a "highly vulnerable" schoolgirl.
Dr John Triffitt, who taught at the all-girl Woldingham School, exchanged personal texts, e-mails and phone calls with a teenage pupil, a disciplinary hearing was told.
The 54-year-old – who has since divorced from the school's head teacher Jayne Triffitt – was found guilty of "unacceptable professional conduct" by the Government's Teaching Agency.
He embarked on an inappropriate relationship with the girl, which "exploited his position of trust", the agency's disciplinary panel heard.
His relationship with the pupil began in March 2011 – when she confided in him "a number of personal matters", the hearing was told.
He and "Student A" then began swapping e-mails as they began an "increasingly co-dependent" relationship.
The hearing was told: "Dr Triffitt also kept a diary towards the end of their relationship to record his feelings towards the student – he would then give the diary to the student.
"There were also occasions when they would meet alone.
"In view of the seriousness of the allegation found proved against him, Dr John Triffitt shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach."
The panel's report concluded: "Dr Triffitt accepts his conduct amounts to unacceptable professional conduct, and is conduct that brings the profession into disrepute.
"The acts alleged, whilst unacceptable, have not been subject to criminal prosecution.
"During the relevant time he was under significant stress."
On May 6 2011, the report said, he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital and soon afterwards moved to a "different area".
In a statement, the school said: "In May 2011 an allegation was brought to the school's attention concerning Dr John Triffitt. The day the allegation was received, Dr Triffitt left the school, and resigned from his post shortly afterwards.
"The school adhered strictly to safeguarding procedures and immediately contacted the child protection authorities.
"During the 18 months of the inquiry the school notified the relevant professional authorities and co-operated fully with investigations into the matter, up to and including its conclusion."
Former pupils at the 530-pupil school, which has 700 acres of grounds, include actress Carey Mulligan, BBC defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt and former MP Louise Mensch.
The tribunal's hearing date of determination was December 4 last year, but the result only came to light last week.
