Thousands of child-on-child sexual offences reported at schools in England and Wales

An extensive investigation by The Guardian has brought to light a deeply concerning and widespread issue of child-on-child sexual abuse occurring within schools across England and Wales. The analysis of police data, covering the period from 2021 to 2025, reveals that thousands of sexual offences targeting children aged 12 and younger were reported to law enforcement agencies annually. On average, nearly five such crimes were recorded by police every single day within primary and secondary educational institutions. These reported incidents span a spectrum of severity, ranging from instances of unwanted touching to multiple reported cases of rape, underscoring the gravity and breadth of the abuse taking place.

Lawyers and child protection campaigners have voiced strong condemnation of these findings, describing the scale of the problem as "horrifying." The data, meticulously compiled from police forces operating throughout England and Wales, presents a stark and troubling picture of the challenges faced by both young students and the educational establishments tasked with their care and protection. The consistent reporting of these offences over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025 indicates a persistent and systemic problem within the school environment, with vulnerable children bearing the brunt of this abuse.

The Guardian's investigation serves as a critical call to action, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safeguarding measures and more robust support systems to be implemented within schools. The findings are particularly alarming given the tender age of the victims, as children under 13 are exceptionally vulnerable and may find it difficult to comprehend, articulate, or report the abuse they are subjected to. The reported range of offences, including serious sexual assaults, suggests a significant failure in the protective frameworks designed to shield some of the youngest and most susceptible students.

This comprehensive data analysis compels educational authorities, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers to urgently re-evaluate and strengthen existing protocols aimed at preventing child sexual abuse within schools. The consistent daily average of nearly five reported sexual crimes against children under 13 underscores the critical nature of this pervasive problem. The Guardian's ongoing investigation is expected to provide further granular details on the specific types of offences, the geographical distribution of these incidents, and the broader context surrounding this deeply troubling issue, offering a more complete understanding of its scope and impact.