A Dover College PE teacher who had a lesbian affair with a young pupil has been given a lifetime ban from teaching.

Lauren Chandler, 24, even took the teenager to her parents’ house in school holidays, and it was proven the pair sent text messages during the nine month fling - referring to each other as “babe.”

The unqualified teacher, who was also a residential house tutor, was absent from the hearing of the National College for Teaching and Leadership in Coventry, where she was found to have potentially brought the profession into disrepute.

The decision to ban her for life - instead of the recommended minimum of five years - was later made by Paul Heathcote on behalf of the Secretary of State.

He said Chandler's "abused a position of trust" and her behaviour was “sexually driven.”

“In view of Miss Chandler’s age at the time of the incidents, and the complexity of her role, the panel have recommended a review period of five years.

"However, the Secretary of State’s advice teacher misconduct: the prohibition of teachers is clear that where serious sexual misconduct is involved the panel should consider recommending a prohibition order with no provision for review.

“Miss Chandler’s actions were sexually motivated and had the potential to result in harm to Pupil A.

"In the circumstances I have decided that the prohibition order will be without the opportunity to apply to have it set aside.

“This means that Miss Lauren Chandler is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England.”

She can not apply to restore her eligibility to teach at any time.

The child can not be identified for legal reasons, but was referred to as Pupil A.

A summary of the hearing, sent by the Department for Education, claims Chandler and the victim sent various text messages and photos during the relationship.

One of Chandler’s texts to the teenager says: “I would be in trouble.”

Criminal investigations did not proceed because the youngster and her parents chose not to take things further.

“Miss Chandler’s actions were sexually motivated and had the potential to result in harm to Pupil A"

It was found that the messages sent or received were inappropriate and flirtatious with repeated use of heart symbols.

Others between the pair, said: “You’re so beautiful”, “I love you too babe,” “Sleep well beautiful. Love you too…”

Chandler took the girl to her parents’ home and the youngster lied to her parents about her whereabouts during the half term they spent together.

During this time Chandler lied to her parents about the age and status of the child.

The report said: “She has not offered a detailed challenge to the evidence and in our view Pupil A had no reason to falsify such allegations.”

The former deputy head teacher of Dover College gave evidence to the panel.

The hearing found the allegations to be proven.

Steve Bartlett, bursar at Dover College said: “Dover College takes its responsibilities for Child Protection very seriously.

“Miss Chandler was employed by the school as a sports coach in October 2012 and all required checks were completed satisfactorily to ensure that Miss Chandler was cleared to work with children.

“In June 2013 the school became aware that during the half term holiday, whilst away from the school, Miss Chandler had potentially behaved in a way which breached our Safeguarding and Child Protection rules.

"Miss Chandler was immediately suspended from all duties.

“Following an internal investigation and disciplinary process in accordance with our policies, Miss Chandler was subsequently dismissed by Dover College and the case was referred to the National College for Teaching and Leadership.

"A Professional Conduct Panel hearing into the case was convened by the NCTL on 8 and 9 June 2015.

"The decision of this hearing was that Miss Chandler’s conduct amounted to unacceptable professional conduct.”

• A Kent Police spokesman said: “Kent Police received a report of an allegation of an offence in 2013 but no evidence has been found to support that allegation.”