Teacher who repeatedly told pupil 'I love you' struck off

A teacher who repeatedly said 'I love you' to a boarding school pupil has been struck off.

Benjamin Phelps, 31, was struck off after a disciplinary panel found he committed serious misconduct in his relationship with a student at £30,000-a-year St Bede's School, in East Sussex. At the time, he worked as a deputy boarding housemaster, tutor and performing arts technician at the senior school for students aged 13 to 18.

During their relationship, the panel found that Mr Phelps texted the pupil inappropriately, they met up outside lessons, hugged and kissed on the cheek, and he requested they skip school to "eat in the car" together. One message sent over WhatsApp read: "I hope you've had a good night, I'm falling asleep with my phone in my hand.

I love you and wish you sweet dream!! Contact me about anything xxxxxx" Another read: "Love you more every day. My heart fluttered every time you caught my eye x also, I love the hearts! Just ready them they'll stay close to me xx" Mr Phelps was fired in April 2024 following an investigation and the Teaching Regulation Agency's professional conduct panel struck him off on 16 January this year He received a call from the pupil in October 2023, and their relationship became increasingly personal between November and January 2024, shown in messages sent on the school's main system for digital communication.

Mr Phelps can apply for the prohibition order to be set aside but not until January 2030, and he has a right of appeal at the High Court. 'Maybe delete this chat' The Google chat messages, scattered with kisses and emojis, included: "You have such a beautiful mind though, it's so pure and genuine, I've always said that.