One teacher a month is facing accusations of sexual misconduct
A TEACHER is struck off or reported for sexual misconduct twice a month on average in Scotland, the Mail can reveal.
Education chiefs are having to deal with a flood of ‘deeply concerning’ complaints about sexualised language, possession of indecent images or conspiracy to commit child abuse.
In some of the worst cases, adults in positions of trust at schools have had affairs with pupils from their classrooms.
In the last four years, 24 teachers in Scotland were removed from the register for sexual offences.
Between 2018 and 2021, 72 teachers were also reported for sexual misconduct, according to data from the General Teaching Council for Scotland. There was also an accusation of sexual misconduct involving a pupil almost every month during the same period, with 47 reports.
Scottish Conservative children and young people spokesman Meghan Gallacher said: ‘These are alarming statistics that will be of deep concern to parents and pupils.
‘It’s an unforgivable breach of trust when a teacher behaves in this way towards a pupil under their care.
‘It’s imperative youngsters who are abused in this way have the confidence to report it, safe in the knowledge they will be treated seriously and sensitively, and that our schools have systems in place to investigate and take action.’
Sandy Brindley, chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, said: ‘We are deeply concerned to hear these figures.
‘Sexual harassment by staff towards students is a serious abuse of a position of trust and we urge schools to ensure that they have robust systems in place for reporting it.
‘Young people need to have confidence that they will be taken seriously if they report sexual harassment, whether it is perpetrated by a teacher or another student.’
The charity NSPCC Scotland described the figures as ‘alarming’. A spokesman said: ‘It is so important that anyone who has experienced sexual abuse knows who they can speak to and is confident they will be listened to, and allegations will be investigated.’