A TEACHER, who was made an MBE, has been banned for life from every classroom in England after an education conduct panel said he engaged in sexual activity with a boy.

Jonathan Ullmer, who taught at Cecil Jones High School in Southend between 1989 and 2002, was made an MBE for his services to education. His life ban follows the conduct panel’s verdict he engaged in sexual activity with a child.

Ullmer, 59, denied the claims - and there have been no criminal charges.

However, a professional conduct panel ruled, on the balance of probabilities, he did engage in sexual activity with a boy and in front of a boy and his conduct was sexually motivated.

The report, sent to the Education Secretary, stated: “The panel was satisfied the conduct of the teacher amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected. Accordingly, the panel was satisfied that the teacher was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute.”

The recommendation was Ullmer be banned from classrooms, colleges and children’s homes.

The panel stated: “The panel was of the opinion that prohibition was not only proportionate and appropriate, but essential. The sexual element to his behaviour was a significant factor in forming that opinion. Accordingly, the panel made a recommendation to the Secretary of State that a prohibition order should be imposed with immediate effect.”

Ullmer has been banned from working with children.

Alan Meyrick, on behalf of the education secretary, stated: “I have concluded that a prohibition order is as the panel say, “not only proportionate and appropriate, but essential” and in the public interest in order to achieve the intended aims of a prohibition order.”

He concludes: “Ullmer is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England. Furthermore, in view of the seriousness of the allegations, I have decided that Jonathan Ullmer shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach.” Specific details of what Ullmer did have not been included to protect his victim.

A Loxford School Trust spokesman said: “Cecil Jones Academy transferred to the trust on April 1, 2019 and as such we have no information or comment”.