Head teacher moves to reassure parents after ex-teacher is jailed

Christopher Stephenson, 32, was head of maths at Fulford School until recently, and was jailed on Monday over a sexual relationship with a girl at a previous school in London between 2007 and 2009.

Fulford head teacher Lorna Savage said she appreciated Stephenson’s misconduct would cause concern, even though it had not happened at Fulford.

Ms Savage said the school’s role in Stephenson’s prosecution was “very peripheral”, but “underlines our complete rejection of any such breaches of safeguarding by those working in positions of trust with young people - wherever and whenever these occur”.

She said the school was alerted to the allegations by the Metropolitan Police last September, and Mr Stephenson was immediately suspended then resigned in January, during the investigation.

The letter said that as the matter related to offences in London, Fulford School had a "very limited role" in the investigation and had followed the Metropolitan Police's advice. I can, however, reassure you that the police advice is that there is no evidence to suggest that your child or any other children in York have been affected by this matter. I can also confirm that there are no police plans to broaden their enquiry.”

Stephenson was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment on Monday after admitting actions of a sexual nature with a young person, and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Earlier this month, 60-year-old David Archer, who worked at Fulford School from 2007 to 2014 as head of curriculum for social sciences, was banned from teaching for life, after he struck up a relationship with a former pupil.

Archer was warned by the school in 2010, suspended in 2013, and dismissed in 2014, for “gross misconduct of a sexual nature”.

Ms Savage said “the required employment checks”, including “an enhanced CRB disclosure”, had been carried out before Stephenson was appointed by the school.

Ms Savage’s letter to parents said: “Please be assured that safeguarding children and young people remains at the heart of our work as a school and is a key feature of our staff recruitment.

“Our reputation in the local community and in the country is deservedly high due to the skill, hard work and care of the staff in our school and the success they gain for our students. Our outcomes in the summer, the excellent start to the new academic year made by our students and staff, the many opportunities we offer and the warm welcome experienced by those new to the school, show Fulford School at its best.”