A married teacher and house parent at a top public school has resigned after admitting an "improper relationship" with a 17-year-old girl pupil.

Paul Edmunds, 33, games master at Wells Cathedral School in Somerset, has moved out from his family home in the school grounds.

A spokesman for the school confirmed he had faxed his resignation to the headmaster.

The spokeswoman did not identify the pupil, but confirmed she was in her final year at the school, studying A-levels.

She said the co-educational school, where the fees are £4000 a term, had decided that the girl, now at home, would not return there.

Mr Edmunds and his wife were assistant house parents at one of the school's boarding houses, responsible for the day to day supervision of pupils.

It is believed he admitted the relationship after his wife accused him of having an affair with the girl for around six months.

No police investigation

The spokeswoman said on Friday: "Wells Cathedral School has accepted the resignation of Paul Edmunds.

"He has admitted an improper relationship with a pupil and that pupil is now at home. The decision has been made that she will not be returning to the school.

"The matter was brought to the attention of the headmaster on Tuesday who acted immediately so it was resolved by Wednesday.

"The school acted quickly, correctly and properly both in regards to the member of staff and the pupil."

She said the headmaster had informed social services and there was no police investigation.

Mr Edmunds was head of outdoor education at the school and had been employed there for three years. He organised foreign trips and outdoor adventure sports including abseiling, canoeing and hiking.