AN EDUCATION watchdog has confirmed it is looking into allegations a Basingstoke headteacher used his work email to arrange to meet an escort.

David Nicholson, the headteacher of The Costello School, in Crossborough Hill, said he is “mortified” by the claims, according to The Sun newspaper.

He is accused of sending an email to an escort saying, “I love this,” when she suggested dressing up like a schoolgirl, later adding that he was “looking forward to putting u over my knee”.

The paper said the 48-year-old headteacher, who describes himself as a husband and father on his Twitter account, then cancelled the meeting with the escort and her colleague.

The article said Mr Nicholson, who only joined the school in September, is training to be an Ofsted inspector.

In a statement, the education watchdog said: “Ofsted expects the highest standards from all those who inspect on our behalf.

“Mr Nicholson is not an inspector but was undertaking training for the role. We will be working with the inspection provider to establish the facts of this case urgently and will not hesitate to take appropriate action if required.”

A spokeswoman for Hampshire County Council said the story was an "academy matter".

Carol Bode, head of the school’s governors, has not been available for comment this morning.

But the article in The Sun states she would work with the board of governors to investigate and would take any action "deemed necessary".

She added that Mr Nicholson, who the paper reported has not been suspended, is seeking legal advice.

He said: "I'm mortified by the allegations. I am disputing them. Until I know the full details of what is alleged I can't comment further."

Mr Nicholson was only appointed as headteacher at The Costello School in December 2013, and began his headship in September last year.

He was previously headteacher at Abbeyfield School, in Chippenham. He took over from Julia Mortimore, who left last December after 11 years of leading the school.

The Costello School has 1,091 pupils on roll. Its last Ofsted inspection took place in May last year, when it was rated as “good” in all categories.