AN ADELAIDE high school teacher has admitted possessing child pornography — including images of children under the age of 14 years.

Michael Anthony Bocchino, 59, faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court today.

He was due to enter pleas to one basic count of obtaining access to child pornography, one basic count of possessing child pornography and one aggravated count of possessing child pornography.

The third offence was said to be aggravated because, prosecutors alleged, Bocchino knew the children depicted in those images were under the age of 14 at the time of the offence.

Prosecutors alleged the offences occurred at Valley View on January 27 this year.

Today, Bocchino pleaded guilty to each of the possession charges — prosecutors subsequently withdrew the first count of obtaining access.

He was remanded on continuing bail to face the District Court next month, when a date for sentencing submissions will be set.

Bocchino and his lawyer declined to comment outside court.

This afternoon, an Education Department spokesman confirmed Bocchino had resigned on February 13 this year.

“At the time of his arrest, he was directed away from the workplace,” he said.

“In line with Debelle Report recommendations, the school community was informed by letter shortly afterwards.

“Another letter will be sent to inform the community of the plea ... support services will be made available as and when required.”

The spokesman said SA Police had informed the Teachers Registration Board.