Almost 80 sex crimes recorded in schools across county

NEARLY 80 sexual offences have been recorded in Leicestershire schools over the past four years, figures show.

The incidents included rape, sexual assault, grooming, indecent exposure and unlawful sexual activity, according to police figures obtained by a children’s charity.

Some 16 sex crimes were recorded in schools in 2011/12, while 21 were reported in 2012/13, 18 in 2013/14 and 21 in 2014/15.

Charity Plan International UK is calling on the government to implement a mandatory sex and relationships education course which covers ‘sexting’, consent, healthy relationships and the law.

Kerry Smith, the charity’s head of girls’ rights, said: “The figures show we’re failing young people when it comes to learning about healthy relationships and consent.

“Quality sex and relationships education helps young people to develop healthy attitudes towards sex and relationships while helping to tackle inappropriate and aggressive sexual behaviour.”

Nationally, reports of sexual offences in schools more than doubled in four years to 1,955 in 2014/15 - but only one in ten alleged offences resulted in criminal charges of summons.

Nearly two thirds of alleged victims are female, while 94% of suspected offenders are male.

Some 15% of sex crimes are thought to be committed by school staff, including teachers, figures show.

Ms Smith added: “Clearly girls and women are disproportionately affected by sexual violence in schools.

“Young people need education about the realities of life and relationships, including consent.”

The figures follow a Freedom of Information request by the charity to all UK police forces, in which 34 of 45 responded.