An art teacher at an independent girls' school who was sacked after becoming pregnant has won her case of unfair dismissal.

Rebecca Raven, 32, said she could not believe it when told by Howell's School in Denbigh, North Wales, that she was losing her £23,000-a-year job after finding out she was pregnant.

A Shrewsbury employment tribunal ruled that the school was guilty of unfair dismissal under Section 99 of the Employment Rights Act and of discrimination under the Equality Act.

Her union, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said that when Mrs Raven applied for maternity leave in May of last year, the school told her she would have to leave at the end of the summer term.

She was then informed that she could apply for a part-time post as an art teacher, but when she applied she was not appointed, said the union.

Mrs Raven, from Flint in North Wales, who had worked at the school since October 2008, said: "I am just so pleased to have won this case. It was terrible being told I was losing a job I loved.

"I couldn't believe it when the school told me I was being dismissed. I had loved working with the girls and really enjoyed my time at the school. It had been such a lovely school that two of my children went there too.

"Losing my job put a dampener on what should have been a really joyous time for me, looking forward to the birth of my third child. I hope the school's trustees have come to their senses and realise that they need to treat their staff properly."

Dr Philip Dixon, director of ATL Cymru, said: "The supreme irony of a girls' school dismissing a teacher when she became pregnant almost beggars belief.

"This is an appalling example to give to pupils who are, hopefully, being educated to be young, independent women with fulfilling careers and lives.

"We are delighted to have won this case for Mrs Raven. It is a victory for natural justice and common sense.

"We trust the final ruling results in a fair payout for our member to compensate her for months of worry and uncertainty."

Mrs Raven said she was seeking compensation, not reinstatement, and was hoping to find another job by the start of the September school term.

A school spokesman could not be contacted.