A TEACHER has been banned from classrooms across the country after asking a pupil to make sure he didn't become a "40-year-old virgin".

Edward Merry was struck off after a disciplinary panel found him guilty of exchanging emails with a vulnerable girl which contained “flirtatious and sexual” references.

As well as the "40-year-old virgin" comment, the emails exchanged between the pair also contained references to Mr Merry being open to "trying anything once", as well as a conversation about the pupil's "behind".

During that exchange, Mr Merry told her he would "try not to stare next time you walk away".

In other threads the pupil wrote about wanting "hugs and kisses" and made reference to her "crying all the time".

The National College for Teaching and Leadership panel decided Mr Merry, who worked in Hedingham School and Sixth Form, in Sible Hedingham, had exposed the pupil to risk of harm.

The panel also said he was "sexually motivated".

During interviews at the school, the 40-year-old admitted he had got too close to the girl and "she thought I was offering to be the one".

The former teacher did not attend the panel's findings hearing but sent a statement to the panel stating: "I express my deepest apologies for what I have done and my regret for the upset and upheaval I have caused."

He added: "As I said at the investigation hearing, I have no excuse for the emails I sent as I know them to be inappropriate and, having read them back, realise just how far over the mark I stepped.

"The reasoning behind sending them, to support her self worth through a time of severe emotional upheaval, is neither an excuse nor, having seen the damage caused, justified."

He also said: "I would like to emphasise this will not happen again."

The panel ICT teacher's behaviour was compounded by the fact he had regular training on safeguarding and was also an "integral part of staff and student training on e-safety".

The offences took place while Mr Merry was employed at the school, between September 2007 and November 2014.

Jayne Millions, who chaired the panel, said: "I have taken into account the need to balance the public interest with the interests of the teacher.

"The panel found there is no suggestion that Mr Merry’s actions were not deliberate or that the teacher was acting under duress.

"The panel is of the view that prohibition is both proportionate and appropriate."

John Panayi, head at the Hedingham School and Sixth Form, said: "We take the safety and wellbeing of our pupils extremely seriously and clearly Edward Merry’s behaviour fell well below our expectations of staff.

"He was suspended as soon as the allegations against him came to light and, following a thorough investigation, was summarily dismissed on the grounds of gross misconduct in November 2014."