Teacher at Colchester Grammar School in Essex suspended 'for using mug with Prophet Muhammad image'

A teacher at one of the country's top grammar schools has been suspended for allegedly using a mug with an image depicting the Prophet Muhammad.

The staff member at Colchester Royal Grammar School in Essex is said to have been photographed with the item, which had a picture from a cartoon series called Jesus And Mo on it.

The teacher has been suspended from their role, a source told the Press Association.

A spokesman for the school said: “We have been notified that an image has been shared online of an individual appearing to use a cup that has an offensive image on it.

“At this time we are looking into the matter.

“While we cannot comment on individuals, this will be reviewed in line with our policies and procedures and the appropriate robust action taken as necessary.

“The staff member concerned is currently away from the school.”

An Ofsted report, published last year, found that leaders in the school had not ensured that boys understand “how to interact appropriately” with girls, and some male pupils could be rude and make “inappropriate remarks”.

It concluded that parts of the school had become a “hostile environment” for some pupils.

Colchester Royal Grammar was also accused last year of having a “toxic and ubiquitous rape culture”, in a blog post by former student Scarlett Mansfield.

Headmaster John Russell wrote at the time that he was “shocked and saddened” by reports of “wholly unacceptable behaviours and attitudes” that some female students experienced during their time at the institution.