Schools watchdog to probe claims of ‘rape culture’ among pupils
AN INQUIRY into claims of sexual harassment and abuse in schools has been announced by the Education Secretary.
Gavin Williamson ordered the schools watchdog Ofsted to carry out the probe following allegations of a “rape culture” among some pupils.
He also announced a new NSPCC helpline to support potential victims – both children and adults – from today.
The move came after the website Everyone’s Invited recorded 8,000 testimonies of alleged sexual abuse from pupils.
Mr Williamson said: “Sexual abuse in any form is abhorrent and it is vital that these allegations are dealt with properly.
“While the majority of schools take their safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously, I am determined to make sure the right resources and processes are in place to support any victims of abuse to come forward.” He added: “No child or young person should have to experience abuse. But if something isn’t right, they should speak to someone they trust to raise concerns, whether that’s family, a friend, teacher or social worker, helpline or the police.”
The helpline will provide support and advice including directing victims to report crimes to police. Ofsted inspectors will quiz staff from social care, police, victim support groups, school and college leaders as well as the Independent Schools Council.
Its probe is due to conclude by the end of May.
Amanda Spielman, Ofsted chief inspector, said: “Schools have a crucial role to play in teaching young people about sexual consent and respect for women and girls.
“They must also be places where all children feel safe and where they are able to report any incidents of abuse or harassment and be confident that what they say will be acted upon.”
The helpline is: 0800 136 663.
BEST-SELLING author Louis de Bernières has revealed the “hellish abuse” he suffered with sexual bullying at a top private school.
The Captain Corelli’s Mandolin writer said headteacher Denys Jeston left “neat, bloody, parallel wounds across our backsides” and leered when he made them swim naked in the school pool.
He also described how Jeston’s deputy at Grenham House prep, Jack Lidgate, would put his hand down pupils’ shorts and fondle them.
The 66-year-old attended the school in Birchington, Kent, from eight to 13 in the 1960s.
He said: “My parents thought they were doing their best for me in paying for all this, and I decided not to speak out until they were dead.”
His revelations in a letter to The Times back up those made by broadcaster John Suchet, 77, who went to the school with his Poirot actor brother Sir David, 74.
Louis believed Jeston, who took over in 1953, delighted in the sadism. He said: “When he beat us, he would move furniture so he could get a run-up. After punishment we were supposed to say: ‘Thank you, sir’.” The writer said wounds would take weeks to heal: “He could admire his handiwork during compulsory naked bathing.” Louis recalled how the deputy Lidgate “would slipper us so severely the imprint would be left as a bruise that lasted for days. He liked to show his fondness for us by sitting us on his knee with his hands up our shorts.”