Sex arrest of female girls school teacher

A female teacher at a prestigious private school for girls was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a pupil, police said today.

The 26-year-old has been suspended from the City of London School for Girls while police investigate the allegations.

The establishment, rated as one of the top independent schools in the country, enjoys a reputation for academic excellence and boasts a long list of glittering former pupils.

The teacher, who has not been identified, was arrested earlier this week.

The City of London website describes the school as a "non-denominational independent day school for girls aged 7-18 aiming for excellence in the education and development of young women in the heart of the City of London".

A spokesman for the City of London corporation, which owns the school, said: "A member of staff has been arrested following an investigation by police into an allegation of an inappropriate relationship with one of our students."

A spokesman for the City of London Police said: "A 26-year-old woman from south London was arrested on July 20 on suspicion of sexual assault on a child.

"She has since been bailed and inquiries continue."

Previous pupils include television presenter Claudia Winkleman and singer Dido.