AN OXFORD school has been criticised for sacking an “exceptional” drama teacher after he hugged and kissed a vulnerable pupil.

Cheney School fired Ken Palmer, left, in February last year after a girl said he made “inappropriate physical contact” with her.

Mr Palmer admitted he did hug and kiss the pupil on the cheek when she came to see him about coursework.

He said his actions were an “impulsive demonstration of support and compassion”.

The General Teaching Council’s professional conduct committee found Mr Palmer guilty of “unacceptable professional conduct”.

But it found the Headington school had “rushed and hurried” the disciplinary process when it sacked him in February last year.

It also said further disciplinary action would be “unnecessary and inappropriate”.

Mr Palmer now works at Lord Williams’ School in Thame.

Committee chairman Christine Green said: “The committee recognises that it has before it an exceptional teacher.

“He has an exemplary record.

“Moreover it is notable that two of his colleagues in the drama department resigned at the fact that he was dismissed.

“He had glowing testimonials from the former headteacher of Cheney School, Alan Lane, and from his present headteacher David Wybron.

“The committee is of the view that the disciplinary proceedings at Cheney School were rushed and hurried.

“This was a case in which the act of compassion by a teacher to a vulnerable student has got blown out of all proportion.”

Cheney’s chairman of governors Chris Newbol said: “It is strongly refuted that the process was in any way hurried.

“The governing body deliberated, at length, before they arrived at the decision taken.”