The director of music at one of Scotland’s leading independent schools has been dismissed following a probe into allegations of inappropriate communication with a pupil.

St Margaret’s School for Girls in Aberdeen said it had terminated Peter Parfitt’s contract after completing a “substantial internal investigation”.

Bosses stressed due diligence was carried out when Mr Parfitt was appointed as director of music in 2007. They also confirmed that references, along with satisfactory enhanced disclosure, were obtained from his previous employer.

A spokeswoman for the school said: “At St Margaret’s we are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for our pupils, and the school takes any concerns brought to them very seriously.  

“After a substantial internal investigation, the director of music, Mr Parfitt, has been dismissed and the relevant regulatory bodies have been informed.

“At St Margaret’s we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and teaching, and our absolute priority is the well-being of our pupils.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We were made aware by a school in Aberdeen about the concerning behaviour of a member of staff. The school conducted an internal investigation and officers were kept informed.

“Any information police receive in relation to this will be investigated thoroughly.”

Mr Parfitt was appointed musical director of the Aberdeen Bach Choir (ABC) in 2010. According to its website, he previously held teaching posts in Winchester and positions as director of music at schools in Hampshire, London and East Sussex.

He has also directed a number of choral and operatic societies, and appeared with many others as a soloist.

He is an external examiner for the Oxford and Cambridge examinations board and the Scottish Qualifications Authority. 

Mr Parfitt served for twelve years with HM Royal Naval Reserves, where he specialised in submarine data communications.

The Herald attempted to reach him for comment through the ABC website.

Founded in 1846, St Margaret’s is the oldest all-through girls’ school in Scotland. Its website states that it offers a "supportive and welcoming environment, where we strive to support each girl to achieve her potential in both the curricular and extra-curricular life of the school".