students to substitute for him at Montessori Academy.

Mr. Steven Burgess was fired from the school by principal, Mr. Gilbert Giuliani, for time he was taking off.

Mr. Giuliani was annoyed at Mr. Burgess for sending unqualified, substitute teachers when he was busy elsewhere. He mentioned one in particular who, he said, took along two girls with him.

The sports instructor, who runs a fitness company, Back To Basics, admitted there may have been a problem with that particular student, but he stressed that in the past the system had worked perfectly well.

Mr. Burgess said: "I employ Bermudian students and they have carried out some positive work for me. They are good role models and are now at colleges overseas.

"It was a system that worked perfectly well for three years under the previous principal. I have not been able to get to know Mr. Giuliani too well as he has only been here since September.'' Mr. Burgess named Benjamin Dyer, Marissa Hall and Jamie Leman who have all gone on to study at American colleges.

He also denied that he had only been in school once in 18 days in January. He said: "Other members of staff will back me. I think it was a rather bold statement by Mr. Giuliani.''