Top teacher is hled on child porn charges

Ken Browne, deputy head of the Dorothy Stringer High School in Brighton and an ambassador for British schools in Europe, was arrested over the holidays on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children.

Reg Hook, chairman of the school governors, confirmed that Mr Browne, 59, who is also head of languages at the school, had been dismissed after his arrest on July 24.

Mr Browne was one of 25 teachers in the UK selected by the Foreign Office as an ambassador for the European pupil exchange project in 2007.

Parents at the 1,600-pupil comprehensive school for children aged between 11 and 16 were told about the arrest on Thursday.

The allegations are believed to have come to light as part of an investigation by Sussex Police’s child protection unit and relate to images downloaded from the internet. No pupils from the school were involved.

In a letter to parents, Mr Hook said: “I am aware that this information may cause parents concern and I would like to reassure parents that the governing body and staff at the school are working in co-operation with and with support from the local authority and police.

“I am able to advise you that Mr Browne no longer works at the school.Should either you or your child have any particular concerns, I would advise that you contact Brian Orrells, acting headmaster, or Suzanne Lewis, assistant head of pastoral care.”

Sussex Police confirmed they were investigating but would not release further details.

A spokeswoman said: “A 59-year-old Brighton man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of indecent images of children.

“The police investigation does not relate to any past or present pupils of the Dorothy Stringer school.”

Brighton and Hove council said: “The council is working with governors and staff to provide information and support to children and parents.”