A former teacher is fighting to keep her name secret, after being sentenced for sexual offences

The woman is believed to be the first female teacher in New Zealand convicted and sentenced for sexual offending against students.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to a raft of charges relating to two teenage boys who she sexually abused, often in cars parked in public places, and in school lunch breaks.

She appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday and was sentenced to two years and six months in jail.

She has also been placed on the child sex offender's register.