This is the first picture of teacher Kato Harris who has appeared in court accused of repeatedly raping an underage girl.

Department head Kato Harris, 36, is charged with three counts of raping a girl under the age of 16 in 2013.

He is alleged to have attacked the schoolgirl on three separate occasions between October and December 2013.

Harris, of Montague Road, Richmond, appeared at West London Magistrates Court on November 4 and was released on bail to reappear at Isleworth Crown Court next Wednesday.

While on bail, he must not associate with any person under the age of 16 unless supervised by a responsible adult.

He was also ordered to surrender his passport and must undertake not to contact the victim or her family.

In a letter to parents, the school’s headteacher said: “I am writing to let you know that a former member of staff, Kato Harris, has been charged with a serious sexual offence.

“Charges were brought yesterday, There is an ongoing legal process. Legal constraints put a necessary limit on what can be said so as not to prejudice either the investigation or future court proceedings. This is the sole reason why I have not contacted you regarding this matter before today.

“I realise that this will come as a shock to you, but I wanted you to hear of this matter from me.”

She wrote: “I appreciate that this may cause some members of the school community distress, and that individuals may wish to talk about it.

‘‘In addition to our usual pastoral support, which I encourage any girl to call on, we have arranged for extra counselling to be available for anyone who might wish it.”

In a statement she added: “We would like to reiterate to staff, parents and pupils that the safety and well-being of all our students remains our priority.

“We have very robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place.

“We work closely with Camden’s principal safeguarding officer, and she has commended our safeguarding practice.”