The head of drama at a private boarding school has been sacked over “deeply disturbing” allegations about his behaviour towards female pupils.

Daniel McLean-Steel, 49, was suspended by the headmaster of Loretto School in Musselburgh two weeks ago.

Dr Graham Hawley said in a statement issued on September 12 that he was “deeply disturbed by these allegations and I take them very seriously. The alleged behaviour is unacceptable. It is everything that we are not”.

Hawley contacted parents today to inform them that McLean-Steel’s employment had been “terminated”.

Hawley said: “The investigation has necessarily been a complex, detailed, and thorough undertaking, and we have worked as expeditiously as we have been able.

“Understandably, during this period there have been a range concerns and questions, and I hope that our personal responses to each have, wherever possible, served to inform and reassure you and others in so far as we have been able.

“The investigation has now been completed, and the outcome of the process has been to terminate the employment of a member of staff, Mr Daniel McLean-Steel.”

Hawley told parents he expects questions about the “nature of the complaint” but he did not reveal any details in his statement “for legal reasons”, despite also confirming that there is no active police investigation.

He said: “As I have already indicated in my letter and statement of Wednesday 12 September 2018, the allegations were in relation to behaviours which are unacceptable and have no place in our community, and the investigation has found this to be the case.

“I can confirm that there is no active police case in association with this matter at this time, and I can also confirm that the allegations presented did not relate to current pupils of the school. For legal reasons, it is not appropriate that I make further comment on this.”

The headmaster told parents he has begun a recruitment process to find a new head of drama.

He also urged parents to contact him with further concerns.

When the allegations emerged Hawley said he had alerted the Care Inspectorate.

A spokesman for the Care Inspectorate said today: “We are aware of an alleged incident at this school and are satisfied that the school have responded appropriately. We remain in close contact with the school. Anyone with a concern about a care service is encouraged to contact us.”

McLean-Steel could not be reached for comment.