Police recorded thousands of sexual offences linked to schools, investigation finds
An analysis of police data obtained by The Guardian found at least 8,500 sexual offences against children aged 12 and under were recorded as occurring in or near schools in England and Wales between 2021 and 2025. The figures include almost 2,000 rape or attempted-rape reports, but cover only 33 of 43 police forces.
At least 8,500 sexual offences against children aged 12 and under were recorded by police as occurring in or near schools in England and Wales between 2021 and 2025, according to an analysis by The Guardian. The figures, obtained through freedom of information requests, amount to an average of 4.7 reported offences a day. They include almost 2,000 reports of rape or attempted rape, equivalent to about one allegation received by police each day.
More than a third of the reported rape victims were under 13. The data did not identify the age of the alleged perpetrator in most cases. However, in at least 1,890 offences against under-13s, the alleged offender was described as under 18, suggesting that fellow pupils may account for some reports.
Girls were more likely than boys to be recorded as victims. Among cases where the victim’s sex was documented, almost two-thirds involved girls. The analysis also identified 6,140 reports involving the possession, creation, taking or distribution of indecent or prohibited images of children under 18.
The figures are incomplete. They were supplied by 33 of the 43 police forces in England and Wales, and forces may differ in how they record incidents. The true total could therefore be higher.
The data also included at least 2,300 sexual crimes involving children aged 13 to 16 and another 9,100 involving people aged 13 or over in or near schools. England’s children’s commissioner, Rachel de Souza, described peer-on-peer abuse as widespread and too often ignored. Campaigners said the figures showed an urgent need for stronger protection and prevention in schools.
A government spokesperson called the figures appalling and said schools had a statutory duty to respond to sexual violence and harassment. The National Police Chiefs’ Council said the number was deeply concerning, while noting that increased reporting could reflect greater awareness and confidence among victims. It called for age-appropriate education, safeguarding and support across policing, schools, health services, social care and technology companies.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.