A TEACHER at a Somerset school has been banned from the classroom for life after he was jailed for sexual offences against two pupils.

Scott Evans, 35, was suspended and later sacked from his job teaching geography at King Arthur's School, Wincanton, following his arrest in October 2019.

He was subsequently jailed for two years and four months and placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years

Evans pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children; engaging in sexual communication with two girl pupils; and inciting two girls under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

Evans started messaging Pupil A and Pupil B, who were both considered vulnerable, on social media in April and May 2019 respectively

He also sent them indecent images of himself and encouraged them to send him indecent images of themselves and to perform sexual acts on themselves.

A report of a professional conduct panel said: "The Police report indicates that he had appeared to pick the two pupils because of their individual vulnerabilities."

It added: "Whilst Mr Evans acknowledges his wrongdoing, which perhaps indicates that he demonstrates some insight into his wrongdoing, the panel can see no persuasive evidence that he is remorseful for his actions."

The panel's report said: "Although the panel found that the evidence of Mr Evans teaching proficiency was of note, the panel also found that the seriousness of the offending behaviour that led to the conviction was relevant to Mr Evans' fitness to be a teacher.

"The panel considered that a finding that these convictions were for relevant offences was necessary to reaffirm clear standards of conduct so as to maintain public confidence in the teaching profession."

It said: "He knew what he was doing was wrong but proceeded for his own sexual gratification."

The panel has made a recommendation to the Secretary of State that Evans should be the subject of a prohibition order, with no provision for a review period.

It means he is banned from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England.

The report concludes: "Furthermore, in view of the seriousness of the allegations

found proved against him, I have decided that Mr Evans shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach."