A SCHOOL at the centre of a sex and race discrimination case is staying tight-lipped over allegations made at an industrial tribunal.

In an exclusive report in the Kent Messenger two weeks ago, teacher Samantha Burmis spoke of her anguish at being unable to teach since she was sacked from Aylesford School - Sports College, following allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct on a school trip in 2003.

Mrs Burmis, from Gravesend, who taught maths at the school, was sacked following allegations of misbehaviour on the trip involving "inappropriate" games with pupils as well as drinking and drug-taking.

Another teacher, Michael Grosvenor, from Rolvenden, near Tenterden, resigned and was struck off the teachers' register.

Following her own dismissal, Mrs Burmis, who is black, accused colleagues and pupils at the school of making racist comments.

As well as winning her case at an employment tribunal, the 39-year-old heard threee weeks ago that allegations against her of unprofessional conduct were not proven by the General Teaching Council.

Speaking publicly for the first time two weeks ago, she said: "I have tried to work and have failed every time due to references.

"I have struggled over the past few years: this has been going on since 2003 and my whole family has suffered too. I just want the whole thing to come to an end as soon as possible, but I fear the appeal will make this take even longer."

The tribunal, held over 42 days during two years, produced a 300-page assessment which went before the the GTC professional conduct hearing.

The document detailed how the school trip led to a catalogue of accusations of sex games played between staff and pupils, drug taking and drinking.

But education chiefs have stayed tight-lipped since, refusing to be drawn on whether the governors and head teacher have their support.

In a statement, a KCC spokesman said: "The head teacher and governing body at Aylesford School do not accept the judgments made at the tribunal and have lodged formal appeals."

Asked if KCC was happy with the way the school was run and that proper complaints procedures were now in place, the spokesman said: "The governing body do not accept that complaints procedures were not in place and this forms part of their appeal, which KCC is supporting."

He said KCC was not aware of any complaints from parents related to the case.

"There were parental concerns some time ago about bullying, some of which was reported in the KM, to which the school responded at the time," he added.