Phoebe Clark

A private school in Scotland is under the microscope this week for sexual and physical abuse claims towards former students.

Fettes College in Edinburgh opened its doors in 1873. Between the 1950’s-1980’s, it is said that several of its staff, including its former headmaster, were complicit in the abuse of multiple young students.

The institution originally opened as a private school for boy’s but became co-educational in 1983.

Iain Wares, one of the named perpetrators in the case, was a teacher at the school during this period of time. He moved to South Africa in 1967. Many now argue that Wares be extradited for his crimes and face justice under a Scottish court, giving his victims a chance to address their abuser face to face.

This is not the first time that an institution has come under attack for the mistreatment of young people in their care.

The Truth Project was a report that acknowledged individuals who were victims of sexual abuse in England and Wales from the 1940’s – 2010’s. The report included data taken from both private, public and boarding schools.

Studies found that most perpetrators in schools were male and often carried a positive reputation from both colleagues and pupils. The report found that 42% of victims were aware of others who were being abused. There were very few disclosures from targets during their childhood years.

Many the affected children did not have the confidence to speak out against their abusers until their later years. Fear of being shamed and disbelieved is often rife in the mindset of someone who has experienced sexual or physical abuse.

The Truth Project also covered advice and suggestions from victims of abuse. Many have noted that residential schools should be structured so that there is enough staff present to monitor pupils, and training implemented on how to support student disclosures of abuse.

Steps have been put in place within educational bodies in the hope that both sexual and physical abuse is eradicated within the next generation.

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The Children’s Act of 1989 emphasises that a child’s wellbeing is paramount. This act ensures that local authorities promote and safeguard a child’s wellbeing if they’re in need.

The Education Act of 2002 was enacted to highlight safeguarding and welfare for young people in educational settings. It’s advised that schools must implement policies that protect students and support their welfare.

All educational facilities must carry out assurance checks on teachers and support staff. Prior to being offered employment in an education setting, an individual will have their criminal history checked, as well as their employment history and references.

An individual looking to work in a school will have their name checked against both a Child Abuse Registry and a Sex Offender Registry. This means that any previous convictions of sexual offence are highlighted in the first instance.

Iain Wares, now 86, was branded “Scotland’s worst paedophile” by the BBC earlier this month. It was uncovered that he was able to prey on young children freely, whilst being treated by a psychiatrist for his obsession with young boys.

It’s clear that those around Wares were aware of his paedophilic tendencies at the time but did not speak up. It was further uncovered that a doctor Wares received treatment from backed him in adopting a child of his own during his married.

Broadcaster Nicky Campbell was abused by John Brownlee, a lecturer at Edinburgh Academy. John was an associate of Wares during his time at the Academy.

Despite serious accusations of abuse, Wares was able to leave teaching roles with credible references. It’s thought that he committed 100,000 individual offences over the course of his career.

It’s clear to see that safeguarding has come into fruition, particularly since the turn of the century. It’s likely that those such as Iain Wares and John Brownlee would not pass credible background checks today, despite having the power and dominance to act how they wished 50 years ago.

It is believed that around one in every 20 children in the UK have been sexually abused, with many more young, vulnerable individuals likely too afraid to speak out. Both sexual and physical abuse must be tackled before it reaches some of the most innocent members of our society.

What steps have been taken to protect young people from abuse in the British education system?