A FORMER Southend teacher was banned from teaching in England after a series of allegations from pupils at his former school.

Steven Alcorn, 53, was subject to a hearing by the Teaching Regulation Agency between July 31 and August 3.

He was suspended from his role at Eastwood Academy in December 2018 after being accused of "inappropriate" physical contact with pupils, including "touching a pupil's thigh" and "massaging a pupil's scalp".

Alcorn was also alleged to have called pupils "babe", "honey" and "darling" between September 1 and December 18, 2018.

Here are all the key allegations made against Steven Alcorn:

Inappropriate Touching

Between September 1 and December 18, 2018, Alcorn allegedly touched a female pupil inappropriately by touching her inner thigh when crouched down.

The panel also heard Alcorn put his hand on top of a pupil’s thigh when helping her out with a question.

He was also accused of putting his hand on top of another pupil's thigh and "moving it up and down".

The panel heard that on one occasion, in August 2018 during a school trip, "failed to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with one or more pupils by allowing one or more pupils to plait his hair on one or more occasions, including whilst he was in the female pupils’ dormitory".

Inappropriate Language

The panel heard Alcorn made inappropriate comments about suicide, using words to the effect of "Oh dear, that is bad, you should really commit suicide".

Alcorn also made comments about menstruation to female pupils.

He also said "well done babe" when a pupil answered a question correctly.

The panel heard he said: "It's fascinating why girls feel tired when it's their period."

Pupils giving evidence noted all of them felt uncomfortable when this was said.

Alcorn also said: "No, I am glad that you have trousers because basically when girls had skirts (when I used to teach them) I would be able to see everything whilst at my desk."

The disgraced teacher is banned from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth-form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England.

The report, read: "The panel was satisfied that Mr Alcorn had breached his overriding responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children, in acting in the manner found proven.

"The panel was satisfied that the conduct of Mr Alcorn fell significantly short of the standard of behaviour expected of a teacher.

"The panel found that the offence of sexual activity was relevant.

"Accordingly, the panel was satisfied that Mr Alcorn was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct."

A spokesman for Eastwood Academy said: "Throughout the process, the Academy followed all relevant policies and procedures and cooperated fully with outside agencies and the regulatory body."