A DISGRACED teacher from Reading has been banned indefinitely from the profession for engaging in sexual relationships with pupils.

Gunsel Akyol, 64, taught economics and business studies at Waingels College in Woodley from 1988 to 2016, when it emerged that he had developed an inappropriate relationship with a student.

Mr Akyol had also engaged in a similar relationship with another pupil years before.

He admitted that he had formed an initial relationship with the first schoolgirl, known as 'Pupil A', from the date of her 16th birthday in 1991.

Mr Akyol also admitted that he had engaged in a sexual relationship with Pupil A while she was in sixth form, and that he continued the relationship, living in the same accommodation as her after she left school in 1993.

A later relationship with 16-year-old 'Pupil B' began in 1999.

He also continued this relationship and again lived in the same accommodation as her once she left the school.

A teacher misconduct panel found Mr Akyol to be guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.

A report of the hearing stated: "The panel has made a recommendation to the Secretary of State that Mr Akyol should be the subject of a prohibition order, with no provision for a review period."

Mr Akyol denied that his actions had a sexual motive, but the panel agreed that his relationship with both pupils proved his behaviour came from "a pursuit of sexual gratification and in pursuit of a sexual relationship."

Allegations of an inappropriate relationship first came to light in 2005, when Pupil A reported her relationship with Mr Akyol.

In March 2005, he received a final written warning from the school in respect of his professional conduct.

In May 2016, Mr Akyol was suspended by the school following a report of a relationship with Pupil B.

A disciplinary investigation commenced, but Mr Akyol resigned in August 2016.

Mr Akyol is now prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England.

Decision maker Dawn Dandy added: "Furthermore, in view of the seriousness of the allegations found proved against him, I have decided that Mr Akyol shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach."

Tom Bartlett, principal at Waingels College, said:  "This ban from the teaching profession is welcomed.

"It is the culmination of a process which the school started in 2016 with the suspension and investigation of Gunsel Akyol as soon as new allegations came to light.

"At every stage the school acted in accordance with its established policy to uphold professional standards.

"Any allegations made are always thoroughly investigated and the safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount at Waingels College."