AN ASSISTANT headteacher sacked by the city’s only grammar school, over an inappropriate relationship with an A-level student, has been reinstated.

In July, Nick Barends was dismissed from the prestigious Blue Coat grammar school over his conduct with the teenager.

An investigation found there was no suggestion Nick Barends had sex with the student. But the ECHO understands Mr Barends, who had taught at the school for 18 years, was sacked over his conduct surrounding the girl and a perceived close relationship between the two.

But maintaining his innocence, his union, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), supported Mr Barends during a two-day appeal at the school last week.

The union also highlighted his “unblemished” teaching career.

And today we can reveal that a three-strong appeal panel of governors has decided to reinstate Mr Barends.

But despite overturning his sacking the school today stressed the governors concluded he was still guilty of “gross misconduct”.

However, they decided that his punishment should be reduced from dismissal to “a final written warning”.