Children in UK boarding schools are considered more vulnerable to child-on-child sexual abuse, according to experts. This vulnerability exists despite significant improvements in awareness and safeguarding within these institutions.
Historically, the focus on sexual abuse in schools was primarily on cases involving teachers. However, attention has now broadened to include sexual violence perpetrated by pupils against other pupils in boarding schools and other educational settings.
Earlier this month, a Guardian investigation revealed that at least 1,700 sexual offences against children under 13, including multiple rapes, are reported to the police annually. Lawyers representing victims note a disproportionate number of civil claims for child-on-child sexual abuse involve boarding schools.
Andrew Lord, a partner at Leigh Day, stated that schools can no longer claim ignorance regarding the prevalence of sexual violence among pupils and must have immediate plans to investigate and mitigate potential harms. Richard Scorer, head of abuse law at Slater & Gordon, attributes the higher number of claims in boarding schools to children spending more time there, including their private lives.
Gabrielle Shaw, chief executive of Napac, emphasised that while awareness and safeguarding have improved, policies alone are insufficient. She highlighted that boarding schools have an especially high duty of care because children live and learn there, often separated from trusted adults outside the institution.