Teacher resigns from current job after being named in court for having affairs with pupils at Chetham’s

A senior teacher at a leading music college has quit weeks after being named in court for having affairs with pupils at his former school.

Malcolm Layfield has resigned from his job at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) after admitting having sex with teenage pupils at Chetham’s School of Music.

Professor Layfield, an acclaimed violinist and head of the college’s school of strings, had admitted to having relationships with female pupils while a teacher at Chetham’s during the 80s and 90s – but insisted all were aged over 16.

The musician stood down from the RNCM’s board of governors and went on sick leave last week – after reports of his conduct featured in a high-profile court case.

Last night, the college and Professor Layfield released a second, joint statement announcing his departure as a member of staff.

Two teachers at the RNCM resigned in protest in 2002 when it was announced he would be taking up a post there as head of strings.

But the college pressed ahead with the appointment as none of the students involved had been under the age of consent.

Allegations about the musician’s conduct while a teacher at Chetham’s were aired again during the trial of former colleague Michael Brewer.

Brewer and his wife Hilary were found guilty of indecently assaulting Frances Andrade, starting when she was 14.

Ms Andrade committed suicide after giving evidence, but while in court had also named Professor Layfield and made allegations about his conduct involving a fellow Chetham's pupil.

Professor Layfield, who has played with top orchestras around the world, could not be contacted last night – but has previously denied any criminal behaviour.

In a statement as he stood down as an RNCM governor last week, he said no allegations of criminal behaviour were made.

He added: “I made it clear then as I do now that I deeply regret my behaviour.”