A teacher at a public school in the Malvern Hills has been struck off after sending explicit messages to a pupil.

Dean Sibthorpe, 57, has been banned from teaching for at least three years after a professional conduct hearing.

Whilst working as a biology teacher at Malvern College, Dr Sibthorpe sent several explicit messages and pictures to a pupil via WhatsApp.

Fees at the private school begin at about £9,000 a term.

The panel confirmed that the conduct of Dr Sibthorpe, who had worked at the college since 2007, was “of a sexual nature or was sexually motivated”.

Messages sent to the pupil referred to photographs of her.

Another message said: “I’m extremely aroused at the mo and have a TOK meeting at 2pm.”

Dr Sibthorpe also sent images, purported to be himself, of a naked man showering, as well as pictures of his lower abdomen and his bare chest to the pupil.

The concerns were first raised by three pupils, including the one he sent messages to.

He was dismissed on June 19, 2020, following a disciplinary hearing.

The panel made its decision on Dr Sibthorpe’s conduct on July 7, 2021, and said its decision, on behalf of the Secretary of State, was:

“Dr Dean Sibthorpe is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England for at least three years.

“He may apply for the prohibition order to be set aside, but not until July 9, 2024, three years from the date of this order at the earliest.

“Dr Dean Sibthorpe has a right of appeal to the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court within 28 days from the date he is given notice of this order.”

We have approached Malvern College for comment.