The challenges residential schools face to protect children from sexual abuse

Residential schools pose distinct challenges for protecting children from sexual abuse. The responsibility for round-the-clock care means staff must balance independence and privacy with the need to keep children safe. In many cases, they assume a ‘loco parentis’ role and must be careful to avoid professional boundaries becoming blurred.

Through public hearings, the Inquiry has heard widespread evidence of abuse in residential schools in recent years. Perpetrators include respected teachers, fellow pupils, other members of staff or strangers online. For example, at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, teachers exploited their power over pupils who were desperate to succeed by sexually abusing them. At Stanbridge Earls, a special needs school in Surrey, a serious case review in 2015 found vulnerable girls were not protected after allegations of sexual assault between pupils.