The headteacher at a leading public school has said he will expel pupils who have a boyfriend or girlfriend as it is a distraction from their studies.

Toby Belfield, principal at £34,500-a-year Ruthin School in north Wales, told staff that he "strongly disapproves" of pupils striking up romances with each other.

He vowed to draw up a list of Year 11 or Lower Sixth students - usually aged between 15 and 17 – who are in relationships and said that they can “expect to find new schools in September”.

Mr Belfield said he will “not hesitate” to expel pupils that have “any sexual contact” in school, and added that he will give worse university references to students with boyfriends or girlfriends.

In an email to staff, he warned teachers to be “more vigilant” about potential student liaisons, adding: "School is not the place for romantic relationships – ever”.