text: A headteacher who allegedly used his school email to set up a threesome with a prostitute who he wanted to spank while she was dressed as a schoolgirl, has resigned from his post. David Nicholson, 48, sent the woman explicit messages saying he was 'keen' on her dressing up like a pupil and was 'looking forward to putting you over my knee', it is claimed. The married father-of-four has not returned to The Costello School in Basingstoke, Hampshire, since the correspondence came to light last month, and has now left the school. MArried father-of-four David Nicholson is accused of sending messages to a prostitute about spanking her when she is dressed up in school uniform using his official school email . Mr Nicholson, from Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, is still under investigation by Ofstead after claims he used his official school email address to contact an £150-an-hour escort through an adult website and arrange a meeting with her and another woman. The Sun newspaper published the messages between Mr Nicholson and the escort, which showed her telling him she liked dressing up as a schoolgirl and being spanked. The Cambridge graduate then allegedly responded: 'I love this and would be keen,' adding that he he was 'looking forward to putting u over my knee'(sic). Mr Nicholson, is said to have organised a liaison in a hotel room on a night when he was due to be working away from home, which was then cancelled, according to the paper. In a statement today, Mr Nicholson said: 'As I am sure you will understand, the recent press coverage has been highly distressing. Resigned: Mr Nicholson started as headteacher at The Costello School in Basingstoke in September last year . 'Although I have been very grateful for the many messages of support and understanding, I have to put both the interests of my family and the school community first. 'It is therefore, with huge regret and disappointment that I have taken the very difficult decision to resign as headteacher of The Costello School. Accused: Mr Nicholson allegedly used his school email to send messages to prostitutes . 'I have been very privileged to have served as headteacher of the school and proud of the opportunities I have set up. I wish all at the school every good fortune in the future.' Having previously worked as a head teacher at a school in Chippenham, Wiltshire, Mr Nicholson, moved to the Costello School, which counts Liz Hurley among its alumni, last September, . Mr Nicholson, who lives with his wife of 15 years Karina, 43, a local councillor, and describe himself as a ''husband and father' on his Twitter account is also training to be an Ofsted inspector. Carol Bode, the school's chair of governors, said that there are no concerns relating to the safeguarding of pupils at the school and confirmed that the board has accepted Mr Nicholson's resignation. 'In the time David was with us, he worked tirelessly for the school and always with our students best interests at heart providing the school with clear leadership and direction and maintaining a tireless focus on their educational progress. 'We wish him well for the future. The Governing Body's commitment remains to our students, staff and local communities.' She added: 'Please be assured that for the school it is 'business as usual' and that our total focus is on our students, their learning and progress. 'The School is in the capable hands of Mr Leigh Adams, Acting Head Teacher and his senior leadership team, and all staff and students have responded magnificently over recent weeks.'
target: David Nicholson, 48, has resigned as head of Basingstoke school .
  Allegedly used school email to organise a threesome with escorts .
  Escort said she enjoyed dressing in uniform, which he was 'keen' on .
  Father-of-four said he was 'looking forward to putting you over my knee'