A FORMER teacher at a North Somerset school has admitted having a relationship with a teenage pupil after their affair came to light during an appointment at a sexual health clinic.

Kelly Burgess could face jail after pleading guilty to four charges at North Somerset Courthouse near Weston today (Mon).

The 26-year-old admitted having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy who she taught at one of the district’s secondary schools.

Michael Collins, prosecuting, told the court: “The defendant and the child attended a sexual health clinic where the child made some revelations to the practice nurse that he had been in a relationship with a 25-year-old teacher.

“The practice nurse explained this caused her concerns and that she would have to make certain referrals.

“The child left and then returned later with Miss Burgess who gave a false name and age.”

Police investigated and on August 28 they attended her address in Grosmont Way, Newport, where she was arrested.

She told officers she had accompanied the child to the clinic as he was concerned he had contracted an infection from another girl.

However, Burgess’ mobile phone and laptop were seized and while she was in custody, her phone received a text message from the child saying: ‘Got the police round. Don’t text back. Don’t be scared. Get the story straight when they come to you. I will phone you later’.

Officers were also able to recover data from her phone which showed a number of explicit messages and exchanges between her and the child.

Burgess, who appeared in court dressed in a brown coat and black dress, later admitted she and the 16-year-old had begun a relationship in January last year and she did not realise it was illegal as he had reached the age of consent.

Burgess was charged with four counts of being an adult who abused their position of trust after sexual activity with a boy aged 13-17. These relate to incidents spanning from January 1 to August 28, 2013.

Chairman of the bench, Jane Corke said: “Having considered the facts of the case we feel it deserves more punishment than we are able to give and so are committing you for sentencing at Bristol Crown Court.”

Representing Burgess, Sue Cameron said: “There are mitigating factors that I won’t go into today.”

Burgess, who has not worked at the school since her arrest, will next appear in crown court on April 7.