THE Department of Education has said a former schools boss banished from the sector had his ban lifted after “new evidence” became available.

Nardeep Sharma, who was previously in charge of The Thrive Academy Partnership Trust, was banned from running schools last September.

However, after filing an appeal Mr Sharma has now seen his educational credentials reinstated after The Government decided against pursuing the court case.

A spokesman for the Department for Education said: “Where new evidence comes available it is right that we review barring decisions in light of the latest information.

“We will continue to make use of our Section 128 powers to make sure those who are unsuitable to run independent schools and academies are barred from doing so.”

Mr Sharma, whose dad was a teacher and who was handed an OBE in 2017, was initially accused of financial misconduct in 2018.

After being suspended and then leaving his £130,000-a-year role, the trust, which ran Philip Morant, in Colchester, and the Colne, in Brightlingsea, dissolved.

Mr Sharma said: “It has been a very upsetting and traumatic period for me and my family, and I have not been able to work during that time, but I am no longer banned.”