A SECONDARY school teacher is set to be banned from the classroom for life for "unacceptable professional behaviour".

Simon Pickhaver was suspended from his job at Heathfield Community School, Monkton Heathfield, after it emerged he had exchanged personal e-mail messages with two students.

Among messages he sent to one girl he said: "Why am I so excited about seeing YOU again on Friday?"

He also told her he felt something for her of "a physical nature" and later the same day said: "I love you as much as I ever have."

A private hearing of the National College for Teaching and Leadership concluded that his behaviour was "highly inappropriate and went far beyond what was appropriate as regards communications between a teacher and a pupil".

Pickhaver, who had previously been temporarily banned from teaching following an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old student, admitted the offences but did not attend the hearing.

The disciplinary report concluded: "Mr Simon Pickhaver is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's homes in England.

"Furthermore, in view of the seriousness of the allegations found proved against him...Mr Pickhaver shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibilty to teach."