Britain’s oldest school launches probe into paedophile teacher: Review at £41,000-a-year King’s School in Kent which counts Orlando Bloom and Michael Morpurgo as alumni
King’s School Canterbury has commissioned an independent review into historic abuse allegations covering the 1950s to the late 1990s. The decision follows the conviction of former boarding master Dennis Fletcher and further disclosures by former pupils involving other staff, prompting the school to examine what happened and assess lessons for safeguarding.
Fletcher, 76, was sentenced to 11 years and nine months for sexually abusing two boys under 14 between 1978 and 1982. Headmistress Jude Lowson apologised to those harmed, while Professor Mark Bailey, an experienced former headteacher, will lead the review; the school dates its origins to 597 AD and has alumni including Orlando Bloom and Michael Morpurgo.
- King’s School Canterbury launches an independent historic abuse review.
- Allegations span the 1950s to the late 1990s.
- Review follows Fletcher’s conviction and further pupil disclosures.