A former deputy headteacher has admitted grooming a 14-year-old girl for sex.

Nigel Jackson, 48, who worked at Seaford Head Community College until January 2004, pleaded guilty to courting a schoolgirl via the internet, indecently assaulting her and two counts of inciting her to commit an act of gross indecency at Londonderry Crown Court yesterday.

The offences took place between March 1, 2004, and April 23, 2005.

Jackson, of Bowden Rise, Seaford, admitted meeting the girl from Northern Ireland in Londonderry on January 22, last year.

East Sussex County Council did not employ Jackson when the offences took place.

No students from Seaford Head Community College in Steyne Road were involved.

Matt Dunkley, director of children's services, confirmed the teacher left his post at the college in January 2004 over allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards children.

Mr Dunkley said: "Allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Mr Jackson were considered by police and child protection agencies, who decided there was not sufficient evidence for a criminal prosecution.

"In the face of these allegations, Mr Jackson decided to resign with immediate effect from Seaford Head Community College.

"As is always the case when we have concerns that someone may be unsuitable to work with children, we referred the case to the Department for Education and Skills for List 99 in February 2004.

"In June 2004, the DfES wrote to us to say they would investigate.

"Following reports that Mr Jackson was attempting to work in neighbouring authorities, we contacted them to make sure they were aware of our concerns about his unsuitability to work with children.

"We have heard nothing from the DfES since. However, we understand he is not on List 99.

"The recent situation highlights a serious need to review current national practice and legislation and we urge the minister to tighten existing law as a matter of urgency."

List 99 is the DfES's blacklist of people banned from working with children. It covers sexual offences and crimes of dishonesty or violence.

Jackson was yesterday returned to custody for psychiatric reports.

He has already signed the Sex Offenders' Register and will be sentenced on February 24.

A DfES spokesman said the Government did not comment on individual cases.

However, the spokesman added: "The education secretary, Ruth Kelly, has commissioned an urgent review and will be reporting on Thursday.

"We are already looking to implement Sir Michael Bichard's recommendation to tighten the system for vetting with the introduction of a safeguarding vulnerable groups Bill in February."