The headteacher of a top public school has warned students they can expect a 'worse reference' for university if they have a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Controversial principal of Ruthin School Toby Belfield has shared his 'strong disapproval' of pupil relationships in an email to staff.

And those who don't heed his demands risk having to find another school to attend when September rolls around.

The Daily Post reports that in the email, the head of the £34,500-a-year school in North Wales says anyone in year 11 (F5) or the lower sixth form will be expelled if found to have a boyfriend or girlfriend.

He added: “I STRONGLY disapprove of any boyfriend/girlfriend relationships - and it will ALWAYS affect any university reference I write (meaning - any student in a relationship will definitely get a worse reference from me).

“Relationships can start at university - not at Ruthin School.

“I will be talking to staff and, as in previous years, I will put together a list of any student with a boyfriend or girlfriend. These students - if in L6 (lower sixth form) or F5 (year 11) can expect to find new school in September.

“There are plenty of students that wish to attend Ruthin School without the diversion of romance - and these students can replace those students whose focus is on bf/gf relationships.

“School is not the place for romantic relationships - ever.”

Mr Belfield is no stranger to controversy, after having to apologise after saying students had the Welsh language 'forced upon them' in 2015.

In February last year leaked emails to staff showed him ranting about female pupils wearing skirts that 'look like they are going to a nightclub' and 'pathetic students pretending to be ill', after looking for ways to dismiss students whose parents had already paid their fees.

In the end Mr Belfield brought in portable accommodation to house the overflow of students.

He has been approached for comment.

Do you agree with Mr Belfield's comments? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ChesterChron .