November 2010 Woman teacher, 37, who had sex with two 15-year-old boy pupils guilty of ‘appalling abuse of trust’ A woman teacher who admitted having sex with two 15-year-old boy pupils was yesterday condemned for committing an ‘appalling abuse of trust’. Hina Patel, 37, had ‘full sexual intercourse’ with the teenagers when she was working as a supply teacher at Birkdale High School for boys near Southport, Merseyside. Patel met the boys for sex sessions at her home in nearby Hightown over several weeks between February 1 and March 18, a court heard yesterday.  Birkdale headteacher Gary Loveridge today said he was ‘appalled’ by Patel’s behaviour.  She was suspended as soon as the allegations emerged earlier this year. ‘I am appalled she used her position in such a way,’ said Mr Loveridge. ‘We are relieved we found out at such an early stage – but it just shows how you have to be very vigilant and your processes have to be robust.’ Patel pleaded guilty to two charges of abusing her position of trust by sexual misconduct at North Sefton Magistrates Court. Patrick Williamson, defending, told the court its powers were not sufficient to sentence Patel. She will be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court next month. Chairman of the bench Caroline Spencer bailed Patel on condition she did not contact the boys or any pupils from the school.   Patel was recruited by Birkdale High in September last year as a cover supervisor and used to fill short-term absences of teachers at the comprehensive, where 930 boys aged 11 to 16 study. Described as a ‘varied but demanding position’, her responsibilities included setting work for pupils, behaviour management and supervision. Miss Patel was listed on the school website as being the wellbeing officer for the most junior pupils.  She also led pupils in helping to prepare a school magazine. The revelations have come as a great shock to parents. One mother said: ‘I am absolutely speechless. With physical sports of all kinds, there are all sorts of things a parent can worry about but this is one of the last things you’d expect. ‘Lots of parents are horrified as it is the last thing you would expect from a good school like this one.’ A father said: ‘There are many, many parents who are rightly angry over this.  ‘Although the school has acted promptly, there had been some concerns among pupils for some time.’ The two boys cannot be identified for legal reasons but were under the age of consent at the time. Government guidance warns ‘sexual relationships between staff and pupils will be regarded as a grave breach of trust’.