A teacher formerly of the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook has been banned from teaching over the use of class A drugs.

David Heath, a religious education teacher and head of department at the private school, failed to return to work after school holidays on three occasions, a National College for Teaching and Leadership panel heard.

It was alleged the reason for Mr Heath’s absence was because he was recovering from using drugs during the holidays – an allegation Mr Heath admitted in a statement of agreed facts.

Mr Heath, who did not attend the panel meeting, was suspended by the school on June 8 last year and resigned nine days later. He has not, however, been convicted of any drug use by a court.

In its record of the meeting considering Mr Heath’s case, the panel concluded although the drug use “took place outside of the education setting” and when “no students were present” it did adversely affect his ability to fulfil his teaching role because he was unfit to attend work.

It continued: “Accordingly, the panel is satisfied that Mr Heath is guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.”

The report said teachers needed to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct, including maintaining high standards in their own attendance.

“The findings of misconduct are serious and the conduct displayed would likely have a negative impact on Mr Heath’s status as a teacher, potentially damaging the public perception,” the panel’s report added.

In its recommendation to the Secretary of State for Education, the panel said it felt there was “a public interest in ensuring that students are not exposed to this behaviour and that their education does not become disrupted as a result of it”.

Alan Meyrick, decision maker for the Secretary of State, ruled Mr Heath be prohibited from teaching indefinitely in England.

However both he and the panel noted no drugs were supplied to anyone else and that “there is no evidence to suggest Mr Heath did no previously have a good teaching history”.

In light of this and his “considerable remorse and insight into the seriousness of his behaviour”, it was decided Mr Heath could apply for the ban to be reviewed after April 26, 2022.

Simon Lockyer, headmaster of the Royal Hospital School, said: “Mr Heath was a member of staff at the Royal Hospital School from September 2014 until June 2016 when we became aware of his personal difficulties.

“At the time he was suspended from teaching and all school duties and the matter was referred to the NCTL.

“Mr Heath is no longer an employee and he has not worked at the school since the concern arose.”