A total of 17 teachers have been caught in relationships with pupils in the past three years in Kent - with half of the youngsters aged under 18.

Despite this, just four have faced prosecution so far.

The majority of the teachers were men, with 15 reported cases, compared to two women.

Most of the students caught in trysts with teachers were female, with 14 girls compared to two boys and one student of unknown gender.

Kent County Council confirmed that 13 cases involved male teachers having inappropriate relationships with female students.

One case involved a female teacher and a female student, and two others included male teachers and male students.

One case involved a male teacher and a student of an unknown gender.

“The National Union of Teachers can no more condone this type of inappropriate behaviour than anyone else”

According to ChildLine, it is illegal for a person in a position of trust to conduct a sexual relationship with anyone in their care, even if that person is over the age of consent.

And in the case of teachers, the relationship is still deemed inappropriate even if a pupil is over 18 due to the imbalance of power and the effect the relationship could have on a student's education.

Just four of the cases listed resulted in prosecution, although another two are subject to ongoing police investigation.

Another went to court and was dropped.

However, eight teachers have lost their jobs due to the allegations made against them, according to KCC.

Christine Dickinson, secretary at the National Union of Teachers, was surprised by the 17 reported incidents.

She said: “Judgement would be made at the end of an extensive investigation through which the union would support the member.

“We would support the member with an appeal against being “struck off” if that were the judgement. If unsuccessful that is where union involvement would end.”

Mrs Dickinson made it clear that if found guilty, any teacher involved would not receive support.

She added: “The National Union of Teachers can no more condone this type of inappropriate behaviour than anyone else.”

A spokesman for ChildLine said: "It is important to remember that the person over the age of 18 is the one who is breaking the law, and the person receiving the care - such as the student - are deemed to be innocent.

"No matter what part they have played in the relationship, even if they want the relationship, and have taken active steps to encourage it, no charges will be brought against them."

ChildLine can be contacted on 0800 1111