Over the last few weeks, there have been a number of reported criminal cases which detail convictions against teachers who have sexually abused their pupils whilst teaching them.

Over the last few weeks, there have been a number of reported criminal cases which detail convictions against teachers who have sexually abused their pupils whilst teaching them.

With increased safeguarding over the years, we would hope that sexual abuse in an education setting would be a thing of the past, but it seems that this is not the case.

Teacher cases highlight the abuse of power in a position of trust. Parents send their children to school, comfortable that their child is being educated and cared for in a safe environment. Abusers are said to hide in plain sight.

A teacher is often highly regarded in society as a trustworthy individual. The recent case of teacher Jamie Varley who sexually abused his adopted son, Preston Davey caused shock amongst society, not only due to the barbaric behaviour but also that he was responsible for other children in his employment and was vetted by social services to approve him as an adoptive parent.

Teachers have significant authority, which means they will rarely be questioned by a child. Often a period of grooming takes place, where the teacher will know about home life and any potential concerns for the child, for example if they are going through a period of bullying or other issues at home which means the teacher becomes a shoulder of support and the child is less likely to disclose. Often the child is led to believe it is a relationship of love and they are the only one.

Perception in society is that sexual abuse is committed by male teachers, but this is not the case. The recent conviction of Deborah Franklin from Hertfordshire (2026) who abused a 110-year-oldmale boy and prior conviction oof Rebeca Joyne (2024) who became pregnant by her pupil and Judith Evans (2025) is just a snapshot of recent cases.

This week, teacher David Brown from Lytham St Annes was sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexually abusing and grooming a female student.

Children, especially boys are often afraid to disclose abuse for fear of being branded ‘gay’ by classmates which is often used by an abuser as a threat to prevent disclosure. There can often be rumours in playgrounds but these are often overlooked as childhood gossip.

Again, another perception is that abuse of this nature takes place in only certain types of educations facilities. At Switalskis, we often have clients who have been abused in private school settings, state schools and educational facilities in health facilities such as hospital or remand centres.

We see a number of claims against private schools, when pupils are boarders and have been sexually abused by boarding masters and night staff at the school. The recent conviction of Dennis Fletcher who abused students at Junior King’s School in the 1970-80s shows it is never too late if the abuser is alive to report to the police and commence a police investigation.

Further, there is a perception if the abuse happens as the child is older, or that the survivor is the only one and that this could be deemed consensual. It should be clear, that a teacher is in a position of trust and authority, and should never cross the line from a professional relationship with a pupil.

It is often the case, that only when other survivors have come forward, that an individual finds the strength to report their own abuse to the police.  Sadly, many wait for their abuser to die for fear of repercussions but this ultimately means, the abuser will never face justice in the formal of criminal sanctions.

There are now several charities that offer support for anyone who wants support including Rape Crisis England and Wales that offers a 24hour support line. Rape Crisis England & Wales

Danielle has extensive experience in representing clients against educational organisations. If you would like to discuss whether you may have a civil compensation claim following sexual abuse in an educational setting, our specialist team is here to help.

Contact Danielle Vincent at danielle.vincent@switalskis.com for a confidential discussion about your legal rights.