THE news that the head of English at Stonyhurst College has resigned after having an illicit affair with a sixth-form pupil must be worrying for parents.

Married father-of-three Dr Terence Anthony Bell is awaiting sentence after admitting breaching a position of trust by inciting the girl to engage in sexual activity.

The 46-year-old said he ‘fell in love with’ with pupil who shared a passion for his subject, which seems to show he does not seem to realise the seriousness of his actions.

As a teacher, Bell was in a position of privilege and trust looking after impressionable young people.

In court it emerged Bell was appointed to the post at Stonyhurst despite having resigned from a previous post at Stockport Grammar School for ‘gross misconduct’ with a female GCSE student.

He took up the role 15 years ago, before new guidelines checking the suitability of teachers were brought in, and was given a chance by the school.

The county council has admitted that in hindsight, and in light of changes at the school which has seen female pupils admitted, his appointment was inappropriate.

The tougher guidelines now in place to protect children at schools from people such as Bell are very welcome.

But perhaps there should be a retrospective review of all staff, and not just checks when they are first employed, to ensure no-one slips through the net.